Texas inmate dies while working in Huntsville heat

Editor’s Note: The above video is KXAN’s previous coverage of conditions in Texas prisons.

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A 35-year-old inmate died of cardiac arrest Friday morning while mowing a field at the Goree Unit in Huntsville, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed Tuesday.


Texas inmates ‘being cooked alive’ in heatwave with no air conditioning

TDCJ identified the deceased inmate as Tommy McCullough from McKinney, Texas.

McCullough’s family is seeking more information as they raise concerns over the conditions during the summer heat.

“We received a call yesterday afternoon that he passed away due to a heat stroke because he was made to stay out mowing even with heat advisory and very minimal water,” McCullough’s sisters said. “If you have a loved one in the Texas prison system, please check on them.”

Senior Warden Cynthia Tilley described McCullough as a productive and well-behaved inmate, sister Melissa Neshyba said.

“[She said] he was a model inmate and was always willing to help and lead other inmates in a positive way,” Neshyba said. “She said just [Friday] he was up and ready to go out and get to work.”


Inmate dies in Gatesville prison, TDCJ says

McCullough’s family said he had been complaining of excessive heat and insufficient access to water on the week of his death.

“He looks sick,” sister Kristie Williams said of video conversations they had the week of his death. “You can see he’s sweating, his eyes are dark.”

“It’s absolutely inhumane, heartless, and senseless,” Neshyba said. “Someone needs to be held accountable for this cruel act.”

The family has requested an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. They were advised the results could take up to two weeks.

“We love you TJ and we will seek justice for you,” McCullough’s family said.

 

Editor’s Note: The above video is KXAN’s previous coverage of conditions in Texas prisons.

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A 35-year-old inmate died of cardiac arrest Friday morning while mowing a field at the Goree Unit in Huntsville, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed Tuesday.


Texas inmates ‘being cooked alive’ in heatwave with no air conditioning

TDCJ identified the deceased inmate as Tommy McCullough from McKinney, Texas.

McCullough’s family is seeking more information as they raise concerns over the conditions during the summer heat.

“We received a call yesterday afternoon that he passed away due to a heat stroke because he was made to stay out mowing even with heat advisory and very minimal water,” McCullough’s sisters said. “If you have a loved one in the Texas prison system, please check on them.”

Senior Warden Cynthia Tilley described McCullough as a productive and well-behaved inmate, sister Melissa Neshyba said.

“[She said] he was a model inmate and was always willing to help and lead other inmates in a positive way,” Neshyba said. “She said just [Friday] he was up and ready to go out and get to work.”


Inmate dies in Gatesville prison, TDCJ says

McCullough’s family said he had been complaining of excessive heat and insufficient access to water on the week of his death.

“He looks sick,” sister Kristie Williams said of video conversations they had the week of his death. “You can see he’s sweating, his eyes are dark.”

“It’s absolutely inhumane, heartless, and senseless,” Neshyba said. “Someone needs to be held accountable for this cruel act.”

The family has requested an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. They were advised the results could take up to two weeks.

“We love you TJ and we will seek justice for you,” McCullough’s family said.

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

<article class="article-list__article article-list__article–has-thumb article-list__article–is-media-type" data-article-id="1376421" data-context="headline_list_one_col_image_branded" data-index="0" data-collection="article-list1" data-anvato-params=" An All-Star’s Stunning Fall

/ 1 hour ago

<a href="https://www.kxan.com/sports/sports-illustrated/f26004f5/siam-an-all-stars-stunning-fall" class="article-list__article-link" data-link-type="content-link" data-link-position="3" data-link-pinned="false" data-link-label="SI:AM
// –>

Austin Weather

Current

85°

Sunny

Tonight

77°

Mostly Clear

Precip: 0&percnt;

Tomorrow

102°

Sunny

Precip: 0&percnt;

Trending Stories


Texas inmates ‘being cooked alive’ with no AC


Body found in Lady Bird Lake Tuesday


Abbott calls 2nd special session, property tax resolution


PfISD officer used Snapchat to message students


Live Comedy Capital of the World? Some comics think …


BestReviews.com – Top gifts to make everyone happy this summer


Popular products that are a must-have for the Fourth …

/ 1 day ago


11 ‘dad shoes’ and other accessories that are perfect …

/ 3 days ago


Best gifts on sale early for Prime Day

/ 5 days ago


Best Fourth of July deals to shop this year

/ 6 days ago


The trendiest Father’s Day gifts that will still …

/ 2 weeks ago


Treat your dad with these great Father’s Day gifts

/ 3 weeks ago


View All BestReviews Picks

Don’t Miss


Austin dog walking temperatures


Hidden dangers revealed at Lake Travis


How long will the total eclipse last in Texas?


WATCH: Everything we found investigating TxTag Troubles


KXAN launches new news podcasts



Latest weather conditions from the KXAN First Warning Weather team