Georgetown Inmate Dies from COVID-19 and Hypothyroidism Complications

GEORGETOWN, Del.-- The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) says a 71-year-old inmate has died in part due to complications from COVID-19. DOC says Jackie Lovett, had underlying health conditions and tested positive for COVID-19 in early July at the Sussex Correctional Institution. Prison officials say Lovett was first treated at DOC's COVID-19 treatment center at the Vaughn Correctional Center, but taken to Bayhealth on July 14th as symptoms developed. DOC says Lovett's family was involved in treatment decision-making at the hospital and his condition deteriorated in recent days. Lovett was pronounced dead from complications with hypothyroidism and COVID-19 Wednesday afternoon. Lovett had been in prison since 1982 and was serving two life sentences for first degree murder and possession of a deadly weapon.  This week DOC announced that 350 inmates who tested positive last month for COVID-19 at two facilities have recovered from the illness. On Wednesday, prison officials said only seven of the remaining inmates with COVID-19 still had symptoms. Two are hospitalized. No inmates are on a ventilator, says DOC.