Huntingdon, PA – Chad Wakefield, superintendent of the State Correctional Institution at Smithfield, reported that inmate Jeffrey Bell Jr, 38, was found unresponsive in his cell on March, 31, 2024. Prison staff and medical personnel immediately responded and provided life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Bell was transported to Penn Highlands hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Bell was serving a 9-month-to-2-year sentence for Obstructing Administration of Law/Government on a Clearfield County conviction. He has been at SCI Smithfield since October, 10, 2023.
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.
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