VALDOSTA — Authorities are investigating the death of a Valdosta State Prison inmate, according to the county coroner.

The inmate’s name was Caleb Mitchell, said Kasandra Ortiz, spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Lowndes County Coroner Austin Fiveash said the inmate was taken to South Georgia Medical Center earlier in the week but “despite the efforts of skilled staff, he passed (Wednesday) surrounded by his family.”

Fiveash said his office is investigating the circumstances of Mitchell’s death in conjunction with the Department of Corrections, including gaining information to determine the cause of death.

“Deaths around the holiday season are sometimes the most difficult for families,” he said. “My heartfelt condolences to all those who knew and loved this young man.”