George E. Dobbs was found unresponsive while under observation inside the infirmary. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived. Dobbs was pronounced deceased by medical staff, the release said.

The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy. A preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Dobbs, 53, was serving an 89-month sentence, based on convictions in Leavenworth County of distribution of heroin or meth.