Somerset, PA – K. Hollibaugh, superintendent of the State Correctional Institution at Somerset, reported that inmate Brian McClaskey, 50, was found unresponsive in his cell on November 1, 2023. Prison staff and medical personnel immediately responded and provided life-saving measures until EMS arrived. McClaskey was pronounced deceased at 12:15 PM. 

McClaskey was serving a 10-to-20-year sentence for burglary from Montgomery County. He has been at SCI Somerset since September 19, 2018. 

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 Somerset County Coroner's Office. 

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

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Corrections Media Contact Details

Ryan Tarkowski

Communications Director
Department of Corrections Media

Maria Bivens

Press Secretary
Department of Corrections Media