Fifth Inmate Dies In ‘Fall’ From Jackson, Michigan Prison Balcony

Despite repeated cries from prison employees, a fifth prisoner has plummeted to their death in as many years inside a Jackson, Michigan, prison facility, according to MLive. The Associated Press (AP) reports Ervin Robinson II died at the age of 42 after either falling or jumping from an upper gallery in the Charles Egeler Correctional Facility in Jackson, Michigan, on Saturday, April 13, 2025.

RELATED: The Leading Causes of Death in Michigan Prisons

According to Lucas Verran of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), speaking with the AP, the incident remains under investigation, as it isn't clear if Robinson was pushed or jumped from the balcony. Regardless, the ongoing issue of railings that are below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) minimum safe height.

Fifth Fall Resulting in Death in Jackson Prisons Since 2020

The Detroit Free Press reports that the death of Robinson is the fifth death involving falls from balcony levels in five years. At issue is the 38-inch railing surrounding the aging facility's upper floors in both the Charles E. Egeler Reception & Guidance Center (RGC) and Parnall Correctional Facility (SMT).

OSHA guidelines state that railings of this nature need to be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches, which means that the Jackson Prison is 1 inch too short. However, it could have been grandfathered in, considering some of the buildings were built in 1926.

Genuine Safety Concern or Nature of the Environment

I can't imagine prison is a pleasant place, so the prospect that someone would rather fall to their death by throwing themselves over a railing rather than spend more time there isn't beyond comprehension. Nor is it unreasonable to think that convicted criminals may use a low railing as an opportunity to push an enemy or MDOC employee to their death.

Related: PHOTOS 1952, Chaos Erupts in Jackson: Michigan State Prison Riot

The Free Press reports that in August 2023, an MDOC employee raised their concerns with Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office. However, after OSHA followed up, it was determined that no hazard existed in September 2023. As to the cost of replacing the railings? According to State Sen. Stephanie Chang, who is monitoring the situation, it could exceed $8 million.