Inmate at Clarinda prison dies

DES MOINES - Gregory Eugene Simmons, 51, an inmate assigned to the Clarinda Correctional Facility, died Wednesday, according to the state Department of Corrections.

Emergency medical assistance was called to Simmons' cell shortly after 11 a.m. due to excessive vomiting. Upon entering the cell, medical staff determined that Simmons was not breathing and there was no pulse, department spokesman Fred Scaletta said in a news release.

Emergency medical protocols were implemented immediately, and Simmons was transported to the Clarinda Regional Health Center, where he was pronounced dead about noon.

According to the department, Simmons' cause of death was believed to be unknown natural causes, but an autopsy was ordered to determine the cause of death.

In review of the incident by security personnel no trauma, injury or foul play was discovered, Scaletta said.

Simmons was serving a 25-year sentence from Marion County for second-degree sexual abuse. He began serving the prison term on Dec. 13, 2010.