Fourth Inmate Death at Wisconsin's Waupun Prison Raises Concerns

The recent death of Donald Maier marks the fourth fatality at Waupun Correctional Institution since June, amid ongoing investigations and lawsuits.

Donald Maier, 62, died at Waupun Correctional Institution on Feb. 22, marking the fourth inmate death at the facility since June 2023.
Maier was in solitary confinement at the time of his death, which is currently under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and the county medical examiner.
The Department of Corrections faced challenges including staff shortages, leading to lockdowns at Waupun and other prisons last year.
A federal lawsuit alleges inadequate mental health care and medication provision at Waupun, following Dean Hoffmann's suicide in solitary confinement.
Governor Tony Evers signed a budget providing raises for prison guards and boosting their starting pay, resulting in the largest class of guard graduates since 1981.