A member of a gang who gunned down loyalist Billy Wright in the Maze prison was last night found dead in his prison cell.
It is understood John Kenneway, who returned to prison after his early release licence was revoked, was found hanged in his cell in Maghaberry Prison. He was pronounced dead at 6.55pm.
Mr Kenneway was part of an Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) gang of prisoners who shot dead Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Billy Wright in the Maze Prison on December 27th 1997.
A Northern Ireland Prison Service spokesman confirmed the discovery of Mr Kenneway's body.
"It is with regret that the Prison Service announces the death of John Kenneway in Maghaberry Prison," he said.
"His body was found in his cell this evening and he was formally pronounced dead at 6.55pm."
The inmate's family, the police and the coroner were informed of the death.
The Prison Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The death follows the opening of a public inquiry into Wright's murder in Banbridge, Co Down, last month.
It was set up after an investigation by retired Canadian judge Peter Cory, who found that there was a case to be answered as to whether there was official collusion in Wright's murder.
Wright's father, David, had campaigned for several years for the inquiry.
The LVF leader was shot dead as he sat in a minibus on his way for a prison visit.
The INLA prisoners who killed him made their way through a hole in a security fence before climbing over a prison roof in order to launch their attack.
Three INLA prisoners, including Mr Kenneway, were later convicted of the killing.