Victoria's coroner will investigate the death of an Aboriginal woman, who died after being transferred from prison to a hospital in Melbourne's west.
Corrections Victoria said the 30-year-old was transferred from a maximum security women's prison in Deer Park, the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, to Sunshine Hospital last week.
She died at the hospital on Monday, surrounded by family.
"The death of any person in custody is a heartbreaking tragedy and the team at Corrections Victoria sends its deepest condolences to the woman's family," Corrections said in a statement.
"The Coroners Court of Victoria will formally determine the time and cause of death, in accordance with usual process."
The women at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre are being supported and a smoking ceremony is being arranged.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service acting chief executive George Selvanera said the service was representing members of the woman's family.
"I am so tremendously sad for this woman, her family and community. No one should have to deal with this trauma," he said in a statement.
"On behalf of the family, we ask everyone to give them space to grieve this loss.
"In time, there will be appropriate processes to examine what happened and the family will look for answers then."
Corrections said it recognised that all deaths in custody impacted family, friends, victims and the broader Aboriginal community and said staff were working to ensure they are supported.
"Corrections Victoria has been providing support to the deceased woman's family to ensure culturally appropriate notification and grieving processes are followed," Corrections said.
"The Aboriginal Justice Caucus was advised, and Corrections Victoria staff continue to work closely with the Caucus and the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria."
