PRISONER DEAD
John McAllister dead: Prisoner dubbed ‘Eastside’ in Netflix show Unlocked: A Jail Experiment found unresponsive in cell
The 29-year-old's death is under investigation
A PRISONER who starred in a Netflix series has died after being found unresponsive in his jail cell aged 29.
John "Eastside" McAllister, who appeared on the streaming giant's series Unlocked: A Jail Experiment, died just a month before his release.
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Cops have ruled out suicide and foul play as suspected causes for his death which remains under investigation.
The 29-year-old was found unresponsive at Randall L Williams Correctional Facility in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on June 2.
He was rushed to Jefferson Regional Medical Center at around 8:50am and pronounced dead soon after.
The Netflix series first aired in April, documenting a social experiment involving prisoners given more independence.
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Based at the Pulaski Country Regional Detention Center, 46 inmates were allowed to come and go from their cells as they pleased under guard supervision.
Known by his fellow prisoners as Eastside, McAllister started a tattoo business during the show.
The series saw him trying to improve his circumstances after 14 jail terms and a rap sheet including drug, theft and firearm related crimes.
His aunt Melissa Regan said: "His sudden passing has left our family devastated", on a page set up to raise the funds for his memorial.
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The heartbroken aunt wrote: "I am fundraising for my nephew, John McAllister, who tragically passed away on June 2, 2024, while incarcerated at Randall L. Williams Correctional Facility in Pine Bluff, AR.
"John was only 29 years old and had just 30 days left until his release.
"His sudden passing has left our family devastated. The cause of his death is under investigation."
Today she paid special homage to the Netflix show her nephew starred in.
Regan wrote: "Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude for the "Unlocked" series.
"For the first time, John took a hard look at his life and was willing to make changes to become a better person.
"He was so excited to get out and start a new, better life for himself.
"The news of his passing is devastating, especially since he only had 28 days left in his sentence and had so many plans and goals.
"The series gave him the chance to grow, and for that, we are forever grateful. Thank you Netflix and Lucky 8 for making this happen."
Fans of the show paid tribute to him on Instagram.
One wrote: "RIP, I was rooting for you".
Another said: "He had so much promise. He really did."
While a third simply wrote: "RIP Eastside.";
Pulaski County Sheriff Eric Higgins helped to create the Netflix show.
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Speaking at a festival with the streaming giant, he said the project was about making a facility safer and holding prisoners accountable, while empowering them at the same time.
He said: "I want to humanize people. I want to empower people to have an impact on their culture, environment, and community".
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