Federal Bureau of Prisons

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Posted: April 29, 2020

FMC Carswell. Photo: Federal Bureau of Prisons

Two Indian inmates died of COVID-19 while in federal custody this week, the Federal Bureau of Prisons said in separate announcements.

Andrea Circle Bear, 30, died at Federal Medical Center Carswell in Texas on April 28, 2020, the Bureau of Prisons said. She was pregnant and had given birth via cesarean section prior to her passing.

According to the Bureau of Prisons, “Circle Bear, who had a pre-existing medical condition which the CDC lists as risk factor for developing more severe COVID-19 disease, was pronounced dead by hospital staff.”

Circle Bear was from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a fellow citizen who knows the family told Indianz.Com.

PRESS RELEASE: Inmate Death at FMC Carswell – April 28, 2020

FCI Terminal Island. Photo: Federal Bureau of Prisons

Another Indian inmate died of COVID-19 a day later. Rex Damon Begay, Sr., 80, passed away at FCI Terminal Island in California after testing positive on April 19, the Bureau of Prisons said.

“On Monday, April 20, 2020, he was transported to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation,” a news release stated. “While at the hospital, his condition declined and he was placed on a ventilator on Thursday, April 23, 2020. On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, Mr. Begay was pronounced dead by hospital staff.”

Begay was from the Navajo Nation.