New findings from a study by Connecticut Trial Firm reveal that the leading cause of death in Washington state prisons is cancer.
The study, conducted by personal injury lawyers Connecticut Trial Firm, used data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics to find which states have the highest prison mortality rates and the leading cause of death in each state. Connecticut Trial Firm used data on prisoner fatalities that occurred between 2001 and 2019 and compared this to state population size to find the prison mortality rate per 100,000 people in each state. As well as looking at each state’s deaths separately.
Between 2001 and 2019, Washington state prisons have seen 674 deaths. The leading cause of death in this state’s prisons was cancer, with 196 deaths within the time measured. In terms of local jail deaths, the state has seen, on average, 17.1 deaths annually within the same time frame.
| Rank | Cause of death | Number of deaths |
| 1 | Cancer | 196 |
| 2 | Heart disease | 153 |
| 3 | All other illness | 104 |
| 4 | Liver disease | 72 |
| 5 | Respiratory disease | 59 |
Suicide is the leading cause of unnatural deaths in prison across the state, accounting for 48 deaths.
As well as looking at each state, the study also considered the characteristics of prison deaths nationally. Men account for 95.9% of prison deaths compared to just 4% of women. Those 55 and older were more likely to die than any other age group, with approximately 1,739 deaths annually.
In a state ranking, Louisiana recorded the highest prison mortality rate, with 42.7 deaths per 100,000 people. While Washington is placed 42nd, with 8.6 deaths per 100,000 people.
| Rank | State | Prison mortality rate per 100,000 state residents |
| 1. | Louisiana | 42.7 |
| 2. | Oklahoma | 38.9 |
| 3. | Mississippi | 36.5 |
| 4. | Alabama | 33.9 |
| 5. | Arkansas | 31.8 |
| 6. | Delaware | 27.8 |
| 7. | Texas | 26.4 |
| 8. | Missouri | 25.1 |
| 9. | Florida | 25.0 |
| 10. | South Carolina | 24.5 |
| 11. | Alaska | 24.4 |
| 12. | Arizona | 23.2 |
| 13. | Michigan | 22.9 |
| 14.(=) | Pennsylvania | 22.3 |
| 14.(=) | West Virginia | 22.3 |
| 15. | Tennessee | 21.8 |
| 16. | Georgia | 21.5 |
| 17. | Kentucky | 21.0 |
| 18. | Nevada | 20.6 |
| 19. | Ohio | 19.6 |
| 20. | Wyoming | 19.3 |
| 21. | Virginia | 19.2 |
| 22. | Indiana | 18.3 |
| 23. | California | 18.0 |
| 24. | Maryland | 17.8 |
| 25. | Kansas | 16.0 |
| 26.(=) | North Carolina | 15.9 |
| 26.(=) | New Mexico | 15.9 |
| 27.(=) | South Dakota | 15.2 |
| 27.(=) | Oregon | 15.2 |
| 28. | Montana | 14.9 |
| 29. | Idaho | 14.8 |
| 30.(=) | Colorado | 14.5 |
| 30.(=) | Wisconsin | 14.5 |
| 31. | New York | 13.9 |
| 32. | Connecticut | 13.6 |
| 33. | Illinois | 13.4 |
| 34. | Hawaii | 12.3 |
| 35. | Vermont | 11.4 |
| 36. | New Jersey | 11.1 |
| 37. | Nebraska | 10.7 |
| 38. | Rhode Island | 10.5 |
| 39. | Iowa | 9.5 |
| 40. | Massachusetts | 9.4 |
| 41. | New Hampshire | 9.1 |
| 42. | Washington | 8.6 |
| 43. | Utah | 7.8 |
| 44. | Maine | 5.9 |
| 45. | Minnesota | 4.3 |
| 46. | North Dakota | 2.7 |
Speaking on the findings, Ryan Keen from Connecticut Trial Firm said: “Examining prison data is essential to mortality trends and health trends within the United States prison system, on a state and national level.
“Monitoring prison mortality rates is crucial for upholding human rights standards. Examining patterns and causes of prison deaths enables authorities to implement preventive measures. Whether it involves addressing mental health issues, improving sanitation, or enhancing safety protocols, understanding the root causes of mortality allows for targeted interventions to mitigate risks and save lives.”
SOURCE: https://cttrialfirm.com
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
2 Responses
This is all kind of mixed up together with several other items. I got too cpnfused to pursue it
My Godson died of Colon cancer after prison. Another friend 10 yrs prison got Colin Cancer. Poor diet, low fiber, white flour diet he thought might be cause.