An inmate at SCI Houtzdale was found unresponsive in his cell Monday.

Merritt Dudas, 36, was pronounced dead at 3:21 p.m. after prison staff and emergency medical personnel provided life-saving measures, according to David Close, superintendent of the state prison.

Dudas was serving a 21- to 43-year sentence for third degree murder on a Chester County conviction. He had been at SCI Houtzdale since Dec. 20, 2022.

In accordance with state policy, the Pennsylvania State Police were notified and will conduct an investigation. The official cause of death will be determined by the Clearfield County Coroner’s Office.

The deceased’s next of kin has been notified, Close said in a statement.