Died in prison
James Michael Zook
James Michael Zook, 25, died at the State Correctional Institution at Forest in Marienville, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 2026, and was pronounced dead at 7:06 p.m. Prison officials said he was found unresponsive in his cell. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating, and the Forest County Coroner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of death. His next of kin has been notified.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined
Reported by: Prison superintendent Howard Sissem (the agency that held him); Pennsylvania State Police (outside investigators); Forest County Coroner's Office (medical examiner or coroner).