Fourth inmate dies at Greensville Correctional Center in July amid scrutiny over Virginia prison conditions

GREENSVILLE COUNTY, Va. — An inmate died by apparent suicide Friday at Greensville Correctional Center, the second apparent suicide at the facility this month and the fourth death in July, according to the Virginia Department of Corrections.

The other deaths include an alleged beating on July 4 that resulted in an inmate's death, and an inmate who appeared to have died of natural causes on Thursday.

Information from VADOC's Office of Law Enforcement Services says team members attempted life-saving measures on the inmate before they were pronounced dead.

The death is the 74th reported at Greensville Correctional Center in a three-year span.

VADOC also confirmed a separate inmate died of natural causes at Wallens Ridge State Prison on July 4.

"The cause of death is believed to be natural causes," a VADOC spokesperson said.

When asked whether the agency had concerns about the deaths since July 1, or whether it was making any adjustments, a spokesperson responded:

"Any loss of life is tragic. The Virginia Department of Corrections is a public safety agency committed to its mission of ensuring safety by providing effective incarceration, supervision, and evidence-based reentry services. The safety and security of our corrections team, incarcerated individuals, and supervisees is our agency's top priority and the VADOC takes any loss of life very seriously. These incidents will be thoroughly investigated by OLES."

Greensville Correctional Center is one of only two facilities in the state with an infirmary. It treats inmates who need end-of-life care and also houses inmates whose medical classifications require them to be near VCU Medical Center's secure unit.

"The serious medical conditions of some of the individuals housed at this facility does impact the death totals at Greensville Correctional Center," a VADOC spokesperson said.

WATCH: Gov. Spanberger announces reforms to Virginia's prison system

CBS 6 investigative reporter Laura French reached out to Governor Abigail Spanberger Tuesday evening to get an update on the Community Partnership Council on Corrections and to get the governor's reaction to the deaths at VADOC facilities. The governor's office has not yet responded.

A VADOC spokesperson said planning for the council is underway.

"Planning is currently underway for the Governor's Community Partnership Council on Corrections and the agency looks forward to the council and its work," the spokesperson said.

This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.