Lance Heverly, 39, was discovered unresponsive in his cell. Prison staff immediately began life-saving measures until emergency medical personnel arrived, but Heverly was pronounced deceased at 1:35 p.m., according to SCI Houtzdale Superintendent David Close.
Heverly had been serving a five- to 10-year sentence for aggravated assault with serious bodily injury on a Lancaster County conviction. He was incarcerated at SCI Houtzdale on Feb. 9, 2022.
Heverly, a Hempfield School District alumnus, had a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2007, court records show. His convictions include aggravated assault in 2015, theft, burglary, fleeing from police, and multiple incidents of driving under the influence of drugs.
The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident in accordance with state policy. The Clearfield County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
Heverly’s next of kin has been notified, authorities said.
Additional information about Heverly’s life was not immediately available. His family is invited to share more details by emailing jpikora@dailyvoice.com.
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