Rick Thorburn, who murdered his foster daughter Tiahleigh Palmer, has been found dead in his jail cell in Queensland.

The 64-year-old was imprisoned for life for killing the 12-year-old and dumping her body on the banks of Pimpama River in Gold Coast in 2015.

He was found dead at Woodford Correctional Centre overnight.

“The 64-year-old man was accommodated in a single cell and was found unresponsive at approximately 10pm,” Queensland Corrective Services said in a statement.

“Responding officers called QAS and attempted to revive the man however their efforts were unsuccessful.

“The incident has been reported to police and QCS will assist with their investigation.”

The death in custody will be referred to the coroner.

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