California correctional officer dies after contracting coronavirus
A correctional sergeant at Valley State Prison has died after contracting COVID-19, according to the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Sergeant Seeyengkee Ly died on Aug. 2, according to a statement released by Glen Stailey, State President of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
“On behalf of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, I would like to express our sorrow at the passing of Correctional Sergeant Seeyengkee Ly,” the statement said.
Ly served 17 years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, serving at multiple facilities throughout the state correctional system.
“He will be remembered for his life and service, and his ultimate sacrifice is a reminder of the challenges faced by all of those who choose to walk the line behind prison walls,” the statement said. “Our deepest condolences to Sergeant Ly’s family, our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Ly’s sister Mor Ly set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral and other expenses.
On the page, Mor Ly explained her brother was diagnosed with COVID-19 about a month ago, and died due to complications from pneumonia.
“He was sick for two weeks before being intubated for an additional two weeks. He was given meds and treatment but nothing worked. His lungs failed him and his vitals became unstable in the end. He was surrounded by loved ones when he took his last breath,” Mor Ly said on the GoFundMe page.
Ly is survived by his wife and four children, three siblings and his parents.
Virus in California’s prisons
According to the CDCR, as of Wednesday eight employees have died from COVID-19, while 1,927 have tested positive. Of those who tested positive, 894 have returned to work.
Among inmates in custody, 1,251 have tested positive and 51 have died.
This story was originally published August 5, 2020 at 7:45 PM with the headline "California correctional officer dies after contracting coronavirus."