A Topeka Correctional Facility employee has died from COVID-19 complications, the Kansas Department of Corrections announced Tuesday.

Richard Rose, 74, who was a facility maintenance supervisor, died Saturday. Rose had been with the agency for more than 17 years. He is the third KDOC staff death related to the virus. The other two employees who died worked at the Lansing Correctional Facility, officials said in a press release.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to Richard’s family and to those who served alongside him for so many years,” KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda said in the statement.

Rose had spent most of his time recently working offsite. The Topeka facility is the state’s only all-female prison and has a capacity of 948 inmates.

An agency peer support team will be available for any workers who need additional support in dealing with Rose’s death, officials said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of too many hard-working Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Richard was a dedicated public servant and I extend my condolences to both his family, friends, and those who worked alongside him.”

This story was originally published July 28, 2020 at 5:51 PM with the headline "Employee of Topeka women’s prison dies from coronavirus complications."