John McAllister, known as ‘Eastside’ from Netflix’s Unlocked: A Jail Experiment, has tragically died at 29 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. McAllister, beloved for his humor and entrepreneurship, started a tattoo business during the show. Tributes are pouring in, with fans expressing their condolences and prayers for his family.

Unlocked: A Jail Experiment showcased McAllister as part of an innovative social experiment at Pulaski County Regional Detention Center, led by Arkansas sheriff Eric Higgins. The show allowed detainees to move around without direct supervision to transform the prison environment. Higgins aimed to “empower people to have an impact on their culture, environment, and community.” The series, however, faced criticism for turning the experiment into a TV show, with concerns about its necessity.

McAllister had served 14 jail terms for various offenses, including drug-related felonies and theft. He was just weeks away from his release and hoped to start anew. His family, devastated by his sudden death, has set up a GoFundMe page for his memorial services. “His sudden passing has left our family devastated,” said his aunt, Melissa Regan. McAllister was found unresponsive in his cell, and no cause of death has been confirmed, though no foul play is suspected.