Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"It is with sadness that I confirm the passing of a 16-year-old boy in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital after he was found unresponsive inside Unit 18 last Thursday.

"Today's development is heartbreaking and tragic.

"I want to express my sincerest condolences to the teenager's family.

"My thoughts are with them as they process this difficult time.

"The circumstances surrounding the teenager's death are now subject to a coronial investigation."

Comments attributed to Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia:

"My thoughts go out to the teenager's family during this traumatic ordeal.

"The 16-year-old's death is dreadfully sad.

"The Western Australian Government is committed to the urgent improvement of Unit 18 - to making it a better place, until we have an alternative location suitable for managing the complex cohort housed there.

"Work to significantly boost the number of staff in Unit 18 is underway and an action plan is being developed to further enhance management of the facility."