# Inmate dies after falling during winter storm snow removal at EKCC  
**Published:** 2026-01-27T21:10:09.000Z  
**Source:** [KY Justice & Public Safety Cabinet](https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=Justice&prId=285)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/inmate-dies-after-falling-during-winter-storm-snow-removal-at-ekcc

LEXINGTON, Ky. — An inmate at [Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex](https://corrections.ky.gov/Facilities/AI/EKCC/Pages/default.aspx) died Tuesday morning after falling and sustaining a head injury while removing snow and ice debris during a severe winter storm, according to the [Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet](https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=Justice&prId=285).

Marvin Knuckles, 48, was part of a work crew clearing snow and ice from facility grounds near West Liberty when he fell early Tuesday. Staff immediately transported him to [Appalachian Regional Hospital](https://www.arh.org/) in West Liberty, where he died around 7:30 a.m. EST.

According to the [Cabinet](https://www.wkyt.com/2026/01/29/state-releases-more-details-about-ky-inmate-death/), Knuckles was assigned to the facility's minimum custody outside detail unit based on good behavior and volunteered to assist with the midnight shift ice removal. Investigators later determined he fell down a steep, snow- and ice-covered embankment near an auxiliary building outside the secure perimeter.

"This tragic accident is one that we work to avoid each day as we protect those in our custody," Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Keith Jackson said. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Knuckles and to our correctional staff."

Knuckles was serving a 12-year sentence for drug-related charges from Madison County. His death was the second reported at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in January, following another inmate death earlier in the month. The facility houses approximately 1,700 inmates and is operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

As Department of Corrections policy requires, all inmate deaths are reported to Kentucky State Police for investigation. Governor Andy Beshear has promised a full review of the incident to ensure all policies and procedures were properly followed.

## Sources

- [KY Justice & Public Safety Cabinet](https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=Justice&prId=285)
- [Additional details and facility information from Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex](https://corrections.ky.gov/Facilities/AI/EKCC/Pages/default.aspx)
- [Investigative report with additional context](https://www.wkyt.com/2026/01/29/state-releases-more-details-about-ky-inmate-death/)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from KY Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=Justice&prId=285.