'He was in pain constantly': Sask. inmate dies after suffering for months, say fellow inmates

An inmate at theSaskatchewan Penitentiaryin Prince Albert, Sask.,died earlier this week after he was found unresponsive in his cell ina medium security unit.

Joseph Vincent Manitopyes, 31,was taken to the Victoria Hospital on Tuesday where he was pronounced dead at approximately10:35 p.m. CST.

• Inmate, 31, dies at Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert

According to fellow inmate, Henry Le, the 31-year-old had suffered a back injury during a sports game two months prior to his death. Le said Manitopyes' health began to deteriorate after the injury.

"He's been kind of messed up for well over a month now, and just in the last two to three weeks, he's been gradually getting worse," Le told CBC News.

He said it was painful watchingManitopyesstruggle getting around, using crutches as support.

In the last two to three weeks, he's been gradually getting worse.-Henry Le

"Every time I'd see him, I'd tell him that he needs help and to try to go see a doctor," explained Le. "And he'd just tell me that he's trying and they just keep telling him that basically he's getting no help."

Another inmate,Warren Raphael, said it was tough watchingManitopyes' health worsenbefore his eyes.

"He was in pain constantly," Raphael said. "I used to have to go towards the end in the last week hereto take him to medication."

He saidManitopyesgot so ill that he could barely stand or even put his shoes on.

"He lost his appetite in the last four days (before he died),"Raphael said. "They used to bring him trays but he wasn't eating."

At the time of his death,Manitopyeshad been serving a sentence of five years and seven months for attempted robbery, disguise with intent, robbery and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Cause of death being determined

Correctional Service Canada said thatManitopyes'cause of death is still being determined.

"With regard to Mr. Manitopyes' medical care, I am unable to provide any such information, in accordance with the Privacy Act," aCSCspokesperson from the SaskatchewanPenitentiarywrote in an email.

He saidan inquest intoManitopyes'death will be convened, as with any deaths in custody.