Joshua Keith Zimmerman
Joshua Zimmerman, 33, was born and raised in Seward and worked as a commercial fisherman; his father describes him as a big lug who struggled with addiction, was loved by everybody, and would do anything for anybody. He died on January 12, 2024 at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, where he was being held. The Department of Corrections said in January that foul play was not suspected, and the family was first told he died of natural causes or an overdose. His death certificate lists the manner as homicide, with findings suspicious for asphyxia, and the Alaska Bureau of Investigation has opened an investigation that is ongoing. His father has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging the department failed to protect him and has refused to share details of his death.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner's death certificate lists the death as homicide, the Department of Corrections said no foul play was suspected, and his father's lawsuit says the department failed to protect him.
Reported by: state medical examiner's death certificate (medical examiner or coroner); Department of Corrections (the agency that held him); Alaska Bureau of Investigation (outside investigators); his father's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His father filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Alaska Department of Corrections in December 2025, alleging negligence and that officials refused to share details of his death.
News reports (6)
- Inmate Death: Joshua Keith Zimmerman
- 3 Alaska prison inmates die in 2024’s opening weeks
- Man dies at Seward correctional facility after medical emergency, troopers say
- Republican lawmakers abruptly cancel hearing on Alaska prison deaths over legal concerns
- Seward man died by homicide at the Anchorage jail last year, lawsuit says
- Father sues Alaska Department of Corrections for failing to protect his son from homicide