An inmate’s death at United States Penitentiary Hazelton has prompted an active investigation after 46-year-old Cecil Buckner was found unresponsive late Monday evening. The incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. at the high-security facility located in Preston County, raising questions as officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, prison staff responded immediately upon discovering Buckner and began lifesaving measures while awaiting emergency medical services. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of death.
Officials confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been notified, which is standard procedure in cases involving inmate deaths in federal custody. No other inmates or staff members were reported injured during the incident.
Buckner had been serving a 34.5-year sentence stemming from a series of armed robberies targeting Publix stores in the Orlando area between 2014 and 2016. He was transferred to USP Hazelton on March 18, 2026, where he remained in custody until his death.
USP Hazelton has long been known as one of the more challenging federal correctional institutions, often housing inmates with significant criminal histories. Incidents such as this continue to draw attention to conditions within high-security prisons and the importance of transparency in investigations.
As the inquiry continues, officials are expected to release further information once the cause of death has been determined.
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