Huntingdon, PA – John Rivello, superintendent of the State Correctional Institution at Huntingdon, reported that inmate Gage Ortiz-Rodriguez, 24, was found unresponsive in his cell on May 15, 2023. Prison staff and medical personnel immediately responded and provided life-saving measures. EMS arrived and advanced life support measures were continued as he was transferred to Penn Highlands Hospital, where he passed away at 1:00 PM.

Ortiz-Rodriguez was serving a six to twelve-year sentence for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse from McKean County. He had been at SCI Huntingdon since June 24, 2021.

In accordance with state policy, 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.


Corrections Media Contact Details

Ryan Tarkowski

Communications Director
Department of Corrections Media

Maria Bivens

Press Secretary
Department of Corrections Media