A YOUNG man found dead in a Tasmanian youth detention centre apparently died of "medical causes", authorities say.
The 18-year-old inmate of Ashley Youth Detention Centre, near Deloraine in northern Tasmania, was found dead in his cell this morning.
Department of Health and Human Services deputy secretary Alison Jacob would not comment on how the death occurred.
"While it appears to be from medical causes, that will be a matter for the coroner to determine," Ms Jacob said.
"The young man's family has been informed."
She said the death was believed to be the first at the facility.
The man failed to respond to a breakfast call at 8am (AEDT) today, Ms Jacob said.
"Staff were unable to wake him and commenced first aid, including cardiac massage," she said.
"An ambulance was called but the young man did not respond to resuscitation attempts and was pronounced dead around 9am."
Police say they are investigating the death and will prepare a report for the coroner.
