SOMERSET, PA — Officials at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset have confirmed the death of inmate James Brown, 49, who was found unresponsive in his cell during the early morning hours of July 1, 2025.
According to SCI Somerset Superintendent Ken Hollibaugh, correctional staff and medical personnel initiated life-saving measures immediately upon discovering Brown. Despite their efforts and further intervention by emergency medical services, Brown was pronounced dead at 3:00 a.m.
Brown was serving a sentence of three years and six months to eight years for violating Pennsylvania’s statute prohibiting certain individuals from possessing firearms (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6105(a)(1)). He had been incarcerated at SCI Somerset since November 21, 2023, following his conviction in Westmoreland County.
In line with standard protocol, the Pennsylvania State Police have been notified and will lead an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Brown’s death. The Somerset County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of death following a thorough examination.
Facility officials also confirmed that Brown’s next of kin has been notified.
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