A prisoner has died while trying to escape from custody on the New South Wales Central Coast.

Ray Hadley has revealed the shocking incident which took place at Gosford Hospital on Tuesday.

He’s been told a 20-year-old inmate from the Kariong Correctional Centre was receiving treatment when he broke free from guards.

The man ran from two officers before jumping over a wall which had a 10-metre drop on the other side.

The prisoner was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition but couldn’t be saved.

Corrective Services NSW has confirmed the death, saying it “extends its sympathies to the family and friends” of the man (full statement below).

The death will automatically be the subject of a coronial inquest.

Click PLAY below to hear Ray break the story

Statement from Corrective Services NSW

“Corrective Services NSW extends its sympathies to the family and friends of a 20-year-old-man who died at Royal North Shore Hospital yesterday.

All deaths in custody are subject to a coronial inquest.

It would be inappropriate to comment further on this particular matter while it is being investigated and goes before the Coroner.”

Image: File photo