A Federal Bureau of Prisons employee died after coming into contact with an unknown substance, suspected to be fentanyl, in the mail room at U.S. Penitentiary Atwater, according to a bureau spokesperson.
That employee, Marc Fischer, who was nearing retirement, began to feel unwell on Friday after coming into contact with the substance and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the BOP. A second employee came into contact with the substance, was observed at the hospital and released.
The Bureau of Prisons is investigating the incident and confirmed to ABC News that they believe that the substance may be fentanyl. However, the exact substance is still under investigation.
“Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen Bureau employee,” a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy and the grief of our Bureau community, we have no further details to share at this time.