The Golden Grove Correctional Facility in St Croix, US Virgin Islands (USVI) where Samory O’Bryan was found dead on Saturday morning, November 4, 2017. Photo: VI Consortium

The cause of the man’s death, however, as of Sunday was unknown, according to police.

Mr Dratte said the 911 emergency call center received notification of the incident at about 9:24 AM Saturday, when prison officials requested assistance with the body.

Upon officers’ arrival to the scene, a 25-year-old male identified as Samory O’Bryan, was found lifeless on the floor of the cell he was in. The VIPD release was short on details; it did not say whether there were any trauma indicators on the victim’s body.

Rick Mullgrav, the Bureau of Corrections director, issued a statement but gave no details as to what might have happened. “As we continue to rebuild and recover, this is not the type of news that I want to deliver,” he said. Mr Mullgrav also extended condolences to the family of the deceased.

Mr Dratte said the VIPD was awaiting an autopsy to determine cause of death.