24-year-old Dolphy Kohu, who sparked a manhunt in the central North Island last year, died in Whanganui Prison on Friday.
Reports say staff found 24-year-old Kohu in an unresponsive state and provided medical attention. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kohu was located by Police in Waiouru North of Whanganui on the 19th of August last year. Him and two others were arrested at a road block that night.
He was charged with two counts of attempted murder as well as numerous other offences.
His death has been referred to the Coroner and Police are investigating.