Obituaries

Joseph Cruz‑Solis, correctional officer

High Desert State Prison Correctional Officer Joseph Cruz-Solis unexpectedly passed away March 7, 2025. He worked for CDCR for eight years.

Joseph Cruz-Solis, correctional officer at High Desert State Prison.
Joseph Cruz-Solis

Cruz-Solis began his career with the department in February 2017 as a cadet the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt. After graduating the Basic Correctional Officer Academy, he reported to High Desert State Prison in Susanville in May 2017.

Five years later, he transferred to Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga. He then returned to High Desert State Prison in September 2023, where he remained until his untimely passing.

“Joseph was admired by all who encountered him,” according to a statement issued by the prison. “He was known for always having a smile on his face and a positive outlook on life. High Desert State Prison would like to extend our sincere condolences to Joseph’s family. Those who have been fortunate enough to have worked with know what a wonderful partner he was. Joseph will be dearly missed.”

Information regarding services is not yet available.


Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

Brian McCauley, retired correctional officer

Brian McCauley, a retired correctional officer, passed away April 5, 2026. McCauley began his career at with the department in…

Lee Herron, retired correctional lieutenant

Lee Herron, a retired correctional lieutenant from California Health Care Facility, passed away March 25, 2026. Herron began his distinguished…

Lew Little, retired correctional officer

Lew Dwayne Little, a 72-year-old retired correctional officer, passed away suddenly Dec. 17, 2025, according to his family. A celebration…

SATF mourns the passing of Jennifer Medrano

Pharmacy Technician Jennifer Medrano, a valued staff member of the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF) at Corcoran,…

Frank Marquardt, retired correctional sergeant

Frank Marquardt, a retired correctional sergeant, passed away on March 30, 2026. He worked for the department for two decades.…

KVSP mourns passing of Correctional Officer Jorge Pena

Correctional Officer Jorge Pena, a dedicated member of the Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) team, passed away on March 24,…