He was found unresponsive in his cell, according to a Kansas Department of Corrections release.

Staff and emergency medical service personnel administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

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 ongoing.

Blanchette was serving a life sentence for convictions of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the commission of a crime in Reno County.