The Manitoba Coroner's Office is investigating the death of an inmate at a Manitoba prison earlier this week.

Correctional Service Canada says in a release that on Tuesday, Melvis Owen, an inmate from Stony Mountain Institution died while in custody.

At the time of his death, Owen had been serving a sentence of 5 years, 5 months for Assault Causing Bodily Harm since August 14, 2018.

The inmate’s next of kin have been notified of his death.

"As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) will review the circumstances. CSC policy requires that the police and the coroner be notified," the release says.