Kentucky

Inmate dies after being found unresponsive at Eastern Kentucky prison

Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex
Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex jcheves@herald-leader.com

An inmate died after being found unresponsive Sunday at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in West Liberty, and foul play is suspected, Kentucky State Police said.

Robert A. Broyles, 34, of Louisville, was found unresponsive in his cell during the morning count. Life-saving measures were attempted but were unsuccessful, and Broyles was transported to the Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hospital in Morgan County.

Broyles was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital, according to a statement from Trooper Zach Haney, public affairs officer for KSP Post 8.

Foul play is suspected, according to the initial investigation. Police did not say what injuries Broyles had suffered or why they suspect foul play.

Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex is a medium security institution that can house more than 1,900 inmates, according to the Kentucky Department of Corrections website.

KSP did not include Broyles’ charges in its statement.

This story was originally published September 1, 2025 at 10:16 AM.

Monica Kast
Lexington Herald-Leader
Monica Kast covers higher education for the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com. Previously, she covered higher education in Tennessee for the Knoxville News Sentinel. She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and is a graduate of Western Kentucky University. Support my work with a digital subscription
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