An inmate at SCI Smithfield was found unresponsive Friday and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

According to Kenneth Shea, acting superintendent of the State Correctional Institution at Smithfield, inmate Derek Bowser, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell on Jan. 16. Prison staff immediately responded and provided life-saving measures until facility medical personnel arrived. Bowser was transported to Penn Highlands Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by hospital personnel at 8:21 p.m.

Bowser was serving a 7-month to 2-year sentence for recklessly endangering another person on a Clearfield County conviction. He arrived at SCI Smithfield on Dec. 18, 2025.

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 Huntingdon County Coroner’s Office.

The deceased’s next-of-kin has been notified.