A teenage mum has been found dead outside her prison cell, sparking calls for answers and fresh scrutiny over conditions inside the jail.
Tarsha Golightly, 18, was discovered unresponsive outside her cell at a maximum-security women’s prison where she had been remanded in custody.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the young mum could not be saved, as reported by Need To Know.
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Her devastated family has since launched a fundraiser to help pay for her funeral as they mourn their “much-loved” daughter and mum.
Tributes described Tarsha as a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her, with friends and relatives left heartbroken by her sudden death.
The circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain under investigation and authorities have not publicly confirmed a cause of death.
But her death has prompted former inmates to speak out over conditions at the prison, with some claiming staff shortages and repeated lockdowns had become increasingly common.
Several women who previously served time at the jail told Australian media they were shocked by Tarsha’s death and called for a thorough investigation into the hours leading up to her being found.
Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, in Victoria, Australia, is a maximum-security women’s prison housing both remand and sentenced prisoners.
The facility has faced criticism in recent years over staffing pressures and frequent lockdowns.
Former inmates have claimed the restrictions can leave prisoners confined to their cells for extended periods.
Authorities have stressed that Tarsha’s death is being investigated and said it would be inappropriate to speculate about the cause while inquiries are ongoing.
Victoria’s prison authorities confirmed an inmate had died at the facility and said the matter had been referred to the appropriate investigative bodies.
As with all deaths in custody, the case is expected to be examined by Victoria Police and the state’s coroner.
Tarsha’s family have since launched an online fundraiser to give the 18-year-old the farewell they say she deserved.
They are raising money to help cover funeral costs following the young mum’s sudden death.
Friends and relatives have also left messages describing Tarsha as deeply loved and saying her death has left a huge hole in the lives of those closest to her.
Former inmates are meanwhile continuing to demand answers over what happened in the hours before the teenager’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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