Houtzdale, PA – State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale Superintendent Scott Klinefelter reports the death of inmate Michael Shaffer on October 23, 2022. 

Shaffer, age 44, was found unresponsive in his cell at approximately 4:01 PM. on October 23, 2022.  Emergency personnel were notified and CPR was administered until EMS arrived. Shaffer was pronounced dead at 4:33 PM. 

In accordance with state policy, the Pennsylvania's State Police at Clearfield will conduct an investigation. The official cause of death will be determined by the Clearfield County Coroner's Office. 

Shaffer was serving 2-to 5-year sentence for DUI Alcohol-Highest Impairment on a Jefferson County conviction. He had been at SCI Houtzdale since October 11, 2022. 

Facility staff has notified the inmate's next-of-kin. 

# # #

Corrections Media Contact Details

Ryan Tarkowski

Communications Director
Department of Corrections Media

Maria Bivens

Press Secretary
Department of Corrections Media