According to a new report by The Sun, former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has reportedly died after being attacked in prison. The incident allegedly took place at HMP Wakefield, a British maximum-security facility, on the morning of Saturday, October 11.
The 48-year-old musician was serving a 29-year prison sentence for serious offenses when the reported attack occurred. Sources cited by The Sun claim that Watkins was assaulted shortly after inmates were unlocked from their cells.
The publication reports that the incident was violent and fatal, with Watkins allegedly suffering a severe injury to his neck.
“[Ian] was targeted by another inmate who shanked him in the neck. Guards were nearby and raced to the scene pretty quickly — but there was nothing they could do, and they could not save him. It was a horrific scene, with blood everywhere and alarms and sirens going off,” a source told The Sun.
“Police and ambulances were called and the whole prison was locked down with all cons confined to their cells,” the source added.
The report suggests that Watkins died from blood loss after his jugular was cut during the attack.
Authorities have since responded to the reports, confirming that an incident did occur at the facility but withholding further details as investigations continue.
A Prison Service spokesperson issued a brief statement following the incident:
“We are aware of an incident at HMP Wakefield which took place this morning. We are unable to comment further while the police investigate.”
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police also confirmed that emergency services were called to the scene and that detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are now investigating.
“At 9.39am this morning, police were called by staff at HMP Wakefield reporting an assault on a prisoner. Emergency services attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are investigating and inquiries remain ongoing at the scene.”
As of this writing, police have not publicly identified the deceased individual, and no arrests have been confirmed in connection with the case.
This is not the first time Watkins has been attacked while incarcerated. In December 2023, he was reportedly taken hostage and assaulted by fellow inmates in a separate incident at the same prison, according to multiple UK outlets.
HMP Wakefield, often referred to as “Monster Mansion,” is one of the United Kingdom’s most secure facilities and houses several high-profile inmates.
Watkins rose to fame as the frontman of Lostprophets, a Welsh rock band that achieved international success in the early 2000s with albums such as Start Something and Liberation Transmission. The band disbanded in 2013 following his conviction.
At this time, authorities are continuing their investigation, and further details are expected to be released following official confirmation.
