Western Australia records third death in custody in less than two months

Western Australia has recorded its third death in custody in less than two months after an Aboriginal man was found dead in his cell at Roebourne Regional Prison on Wednesday.

A 2016 photo of a cell in Roebourne Regional Prison in Western Australia. Source: Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services

The Department of Justice has confirmed a third death in custody in Western Australia in less than two months after a 47-year-old man was found dead at Roebourne Prison.

"The Aboriginal man was discovered unconscious in his six-person dormitory cell this morning by prison officers," the Department of Justice said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Efforts by prison medical staff and paramedics to revive him were unsuccessful.

"Local police have attended the prison. There does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances."

The department said the man's death will be subject to an inquest.

This man's death follows two deaths in custody at the privately-run Acacia Prison, a 19-year-old man who died earlier this month, and a 40-year-old man who was found collapsed in June.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or find an Aboriginal Medical Service here. There are resources for young people at Headspace Yarn Safe.