Maryland officials probe death of inmate in steam-filled cell

(Reuters) - Maryland officials are investigating the death of an prison inmate who was found dead in a steam-filled cell, a prison spokesman said on Sunday. The inmate, Louis Leysath, 35, was serving a life sentence in Jessup Correctional Institution for murder when he was found on Friday in his cell, which was filled with steam, prison spokesman Mark Vernarelli said in a statement. Vernarelli said the death occurred "under unusual circumstance." Correctional staff performed CPR on him, but Leysath was pronounced dead a short time later. There was no fire in the cell, and no foul play is suspected. It is unclear whether the death was accidental or a suicide, Vernarelli said. Leysath was housed alone. The investigation is continuing. (Reporting by John Clarke; Editing by Eric Walsh)