Prison heat may have contributed to Iowa inmate’s July death, his sister says

By: Erin Jordan

Outlets: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Published: September 14, 2026

Words: 824

Last Updated: 3 days, 21 hours ago

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On one of the hottest days of the summer, with temperatures in the 90s, Robert Buel, 57, died at the Anamosa State Penitentiary.

The official cause of death was arteriosclerotic and hypertensive cardiac disease, or chronic heart disease, according to the State Medical Examiner. But Buel’s sister, Kerensa Buel, of Sioux City, believes the lack of air conditioning in the prison contributed to her brother’s July 15 death.

“I think that he …

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