Inmate Fatally Shoots Kitchen Worker Inside Prison

An inmate at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Georiga, fatally shot a kitchen worker before turning the gun on himself on Sunday (June 16).

The Georgia Department of Corrections said that Jaydrekus Hart , who was serving a 20-year sentence for involuntary manslaughter, shot and killed 24-year-old Aureon Shavea Grace around 4:30 a.m.

He then shot himself and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities did not provide any additional details about the incident, including how Hart managed to get a gun into the prison or a possible motive for the shooting.

"The weapon is in GDC custody at this time, and a complete and thorough investigation of what led up to this tragic incident will be carried out," the GDC said in a statement. "GDC Special Agents are responding and are providing staffing support to the facility."

Hart had been working at the prison since January and was employed by the food service company Aramark.

"We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague and our hearts and prayers go out to her family," Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert said in an emailed statement to ABC News . "This is a tragedy for all of us."