Third Unexpected Death at Women’s Huron Valley Raises New Questions

The Michigan Department of Corrections confirmed Saturday that Ashley Hoath, 36, died June 6 after being transferred by ambulance from Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility’s medical unit to Trinity Health Hospital.

The death remains under investigation, according to MDOC spokesperson Jenni Riehle.

Riehle said an officer noticed during the early morning hours that Hoath was feeling unwell and escorted her to the facility’s health care area for assessment and care. Medical staff determined she should be transferred to the hospital by ambulance.

Hoath was responsive at the time of the transfer, according to MDOC. Several hours later, the facility was notified that she had died.

Her death comes after two other women, Khaira Howard, 28, and Rebecca Fackler, 57, died in May while in state custody at Women’s Huron Valley, Michigan’s only women’s prison.

State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky wrote Saturday that MDOC had notified legislators of another “unexpected” death early that morning.

“What I do know at this time is this: this is the third ‘unexpected’ death of a woman in MDOC custody at WHV in less than a month,” Pohutsky wrote. “That fact alone should shock the conscience of every Michigander.”

Several lawmakers, including Pohutsky, state Rep. Reggie Miller and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, raised concerns Saturday and called for answers.

Dingell said she is sending a formal inquiry to the state seeking “immediate answers, action, and transparency.” She also called on MDOC to provide a transparent accounting of what happened and what steps are being taken to prevent more deaths.

State Sen. Jeff Irwin confirmed he received the MDOC notice. Irwin said there should be investigations into each death, beginning with autopsies. He said legislators were told during an MDOC briefing Friday that autopsies from the first two deaths were still pending.

“This oversight will continue,” Irwin said.

Irwin said lawmakers should pass legislation allowing the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to bring outside experts into prisons.

“Being able to bring in outside experts to assess the conditions would give us another, independent set of eyes on the quality of the air, the food, the healthcare, or other concerns,” Irwin said.

MDOC Director Heidi Washington said the department is investigating the circumstances surrounding Hoath’s death.

“To the loved ones and friends who have to bear this incredibly difficult news, as well as those who are currently residing or have family members housed at WHV, I want you to know that we are working aggressively to investigate the circumstances that led up to Ms. Hoath being sent to the hospital,” Washington said in the statement.

Washington also asked the public to refrain from speculation while investigations are conducted.

“I can promise you that the community will have answers to what caused this death, and the ones that have preceded it,” she said.

MDOC said unexpected deaths are investigated and referred to an independent medical examiner. The department said the review process includes a mortality review, an autopsy and an administrative investigation into whether procedures were followed.

The department said Washington and health care leaders have been regularly onsite at Women’s Huron Valley since the earlier deaths. MDOC said additional clinical leaders from across the state also have been called to the facility.

MDOC said a qualified mental health professional was available in the housing unit Saturday for women affected by Hoath’s death and would return Sunday.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.