A prison inmate has died after he was found unconscious in his cell, the Corradino Correctional Facility said Wednesday.

The prisoner had earlier told staff that he was feeling unwell and had asked for some painkillers, the prison said in a statement.

Upon discovering that the man was unconscious, prison warders administered first aid until an ambulance arrived.

The man was certified dead some minutes later.

A magisterial inquiry, a police investigation and an internal investigation are underway.

The prison did not give out the identity or the age of the inmate.