WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Corrections said an autopsy determined that an inmate who died at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in May died from a blood clot in the lungs.
Officials also announced on Thursday (July 9) the temporary transfer of a second inmate following an emergency court motion.
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The autopsy determined the cause of death was pulmonary thromboembolism due to lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis, commonly known as a blood clot in the lung.
The department said the autopsy report, along with Michigan State Police’s original and supplemental incident reports related to the case, have been posted to its public transparency website.
An internal MDOC investigation and mortality review remain ongoing.
Officials said investigations into other recent deaths at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility also continue.
Court motion filed on behalf of inmate Clark
Separately, the department responded to a court motion filed by attorneys for inmate Krystal Clark seeking her removal from the facility, citing alleged health concerns and facility conditions.
According to MDOC, the allegations outlined in the motion are not supported by the department’s medical findings.
Officials said Clark is not experiencing a medical emergency requiring a transfer from the facility.
The department said a court required it to respond to the emergency motion within three days rather than the standard 21-day response period.
MDOC said it agreed to temporarily relocate Clark to the Duane Waters Health Center in Jackson on July 9, allowing additional time for both parties to prepare for a hearing while extending the response timeline.
Corrections officials emphasized that the temporary placement is intended solely to facilitate the legal process and does not represent an acknowledgment that Clark is entitled to emergency relief or that a transfer is medically necessary.
Upon arrival at the Duane Waters Health Center, Clark will undergo a comprehensive medical assessment as part of the facility’s intake process, the department said.
Officials added that she continues to receive ongoing care from qualified health care providers.
Facility conditions, staffing addressed
The department reiterated previous statements regarding environmental conditions at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, noting that independent testing conducted in 2022 and again in 2026 found no evidence of dangerous systemic black mold or toxic mold conditions.
MDOC said Director Heidi E. Washington and other department leaders have maintained a regular presence at the facility while additional clinical leadership has been assigned to support operations.
Officials said a revised health care staffing plan is being developed, including enhanced nursing management and expanded clinical coverage.
The department said it maintains established medical protocols for emergencies, provides incarcerated individuals with access to routine and specialized medical care, and refers all unexpected inmate deaths to the medical examiner for review.
More --> Fourth inmate from Huron Valley women’s prison dies within two months