Family Demands Answers After Inmate Dies in Fall at Georgia Prison

The Willis family is still seeking transparency years after their son's death at Calhoun State Prison.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The family of Willie Andrew Willis Jr. is still searching for answers one year after he suffered catastrophic injuries and died while incarcerated at Calhoun State Prison in Georgia. Willis told his family he had been thrown from a balcony and left unable to move, but the family says they still don't know how the incident happened or why it took nearly an hour before he was airlifted for treatment. Medical records list sepsis as the cause of death, but the family believes critical time was lost and accountability is missing.

Why it matters

Willis's death reflects a larger crisis within Georgia's correctional system, with a recent federal report revealing a disturbing pattern of violence, neglect, and lack of accountability within the Georgia Department of Corrections. The report found that from 2018 to 2023, 142 people died in GDC prisons, and Georgia's homicide rate in its state prisons is nearly triple the national average.

The details

The report describes an 'environment of fear and complacency' within the system, with many prisons being old and poorly maintained, and correctional officer vacancy rates over 50% since mid-2021. This leads to incarcerated individuals being left unsupervised and staff unable to respond effectively to violence. The report also cites cases where individuals were found hours after dying or were left to tend to their own severe injuries due to significant delays in emergency medical responses.

  • In February 2023, an incarcerated person was found dead in his restrictive-housing cell, with the cause of death listed as dehydration with renal failure.
  • In May 2024, Kenneth Piper was found dead at Calhoun State Prison, with his death under investigation.
  • The federal report covers the period from 2018 to 2023.

The players

Willie Andrew Willis Jr.

An incarcerated individual at Calhoun State Prison who died after suffering catastrophic injuries from a fall.

Georgia Department of Corrections

The state agency responsible for the correctional system in Georgia, which has been the subject of a disturbing federal report revealing a pattern of violence, neglect, and lack of accountability.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold the Georgia Department of Corrections accountable for the systemic failures that led to my son's death and the deaths of so many others in their custody.”

— Willis Family

What’s next

The Willis family and other advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Willie Andrew Willis Jr.'s death and the broader issues within the Georgia Department of Corrections. They are demanding transparency and accountability to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for reform within Georgia's prison system, where a culture of neglect and lack of accountability has led to a disturbing number of inmate deaths and incidents of violence. The Willis family's quest for answers and justice reflects the broader struggle for meaningful change in the state's correctional facilities.