Death reported at Huntingdon jail

HUNTINGDON — The death of an inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Smithfield was reported.

According to a news release, Derek Bowser, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell on Jan. 16.

The release states that prison staff immediately responded and provided life-saving measures until facility medical personnel arrived. Bowser was transported to Penn Highlands Hospital where he was pronounced deceased by hospital personnel at 8:21 p.m.

Bowser was serving a seven month to two-year sentence for recklessly endangering another person on a Clearfield County conviction. He arrived at SCI Smithfield on Dec. 18, 2025. In accordance with state policy, the Pennsylvania State Police were notified and will conduct an investigation. The official cause of death will be determined by the Huntingdon County Coroner’s Office.

The deceased’s next-of-kin has been notified.