A 61-year-old male inmate from the Hei Ling Chau Correctional Institution died in the early hours of Monday, November 10, 2025, while receiving specialized treatment at a public hospital in Hong Kong. The individual, who had been serving a sentence related to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, suffered from advanced liver cirrhosis and had required extensive medical care both within the institutional setting and externally.
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) confirmed the fatality, noting that the inmate’s death occurred at 2:02 a.m. while he was under hospital supervision. Standard protocols mandate a thorough investigation into all deaths occurring in custody, which includes reporting the case to the police and initiating a coronial inquest.
Deterioration Led to Hospitalization
The deceased had received continuous medical management for his chronic ailment, liver cirrhosis, since his incarceration began in June 2025. This care involved regular oversight by the correctional facility’s medical unit and frequent transfers to public healthcare facilities for specialized consultations and treatment.
According to department records, the inmate’s health began to decline significantly in late September. He was transferred to a public hospital on September 19 after experiencing a noticeable worsening of his physical condition. Despite continuous efforts by hospital staff, his health did not improve, leading to his eventual passing.
Protocols on Custodial Deaths
The death of an incarcerated individual triggers stringent legal requirements in Hong Kong designed to ensure transparency and accountability. In accordance with the Coroners Ordinance (Cap. 504), all deaths occurring in custodial settings, including correctional institutions, must be reported immediately.
The police have officially been notified, and the matter is now pending a review by the Coroner’s Office. A coronial inquest will be convened to formally determine the cause of death and examine the sequence of events leading up to the fatality. This process ensures an independent judicial review of the circumstances surrounding the death, addressing any potential concerns regarding the medical care provided while the individual was in state custody.
The incident underscores the challenges correctional facilities face in managing the complex healthcare needs of an aging and increasingly medically fragile inmate population. Correctional Services Departments typically operate internal healthcare units but rely heavily on public hospitals to manage serious or chronic illnesses that require specialized equipment or intensive care.
The final determination of the cause of death is pending the coroner’s findings. This routine procedure provides critical oversight and ensures public confidence in the standard of care provided to those serving sentences within Hong Kong’s correctional system.