WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following story contains the name and image of a person who has died.

The family of an Aboriginal woman who died in custody in Tasmania earlier this week has spoken of their loss.

Chelsea Bracken, 21, died at the Royal Hobart Hospital on Monday after being transferred to hospital following a "serious medical emergency", according to the Tasmanian Prison Service, while remanded at Risdon Vale's Mary Hutchinson Women's Prison.

On Thursday, Damien Bracken and the Bracken family spoke of their heartbreak.

"Our Chelsea will be remembered as a loving and vibrant individual," the family said, via the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS).

"With her passing, we would like the space to mourn and grieve her passing. At this time we wish for respect, time and space."

TALS chief executive Jake Smith said the Wiradjuri woman's passing was "a tragedy".

"The loss of Chelsea - at only 21 - will profoundly impact her family, friends and the community," he said.

Mr Smith said TALS will continue to support the family and community during this difficult time while reiterating the disparity Aboriginal people face in Tasmania's justice system.

"In Tasmania, Aboriginal people remain significantly overrepresented in custody and are five times more likely to be in custody that non-Aboriginal people," he said.

Tasmanian Director of Prisons Narelle Pamplin said the death would be referred to the coroner, a standard practise for all deaths in a corrections environment.

"On behalf of the Tasmania Prison Service, I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased woman at this difficult time," Ms Pamplin said in a statement, the ABC reports.

There have been at least 611 Indigenous deaths in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody brought down its findings in 1991.

In 2025 alone there have been 26 Indigenous deaths in custody nationwide.

13YARN - 13 92 76

Lifeline - 13 11 14