Marienville, PA – Superintendent Randy Irwin, of the State Correctional Institution at Forest, reported today that inmate James Rainey, 39, was found unresponsive in his cell on July 24, 2022. Prison staff immediately responded and provided life-saving measures until EMS arrived at the facility. Rainey was pronounced deceased at 4:26 p.m. 

Rainey was serving 9- to 22-year sentence for Escape From Detention out of Crawford County.  He had been at SCI Forest since November 13, 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 Forest 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