Additional Coverage:
An incident at Wisconsin’s Lincoln Hills juvenile prison in Irma has tragically resulted in a staff member’s death following an altercation with a 16-year-old inmate, according to the local coroner’s announcement on Wednesday. Just weeks prior, criminal charges had been levied against the prison’s warden and several employees amidst allegations relating to the deaths of two inmates at a maximum-security facility.
49-year-old Corey Proulx was declared brain-dead on Tuesday, a decision made to facilitate organ donation, as stated by Lincoln County Coroner Valerie Caylor.
Following the altercation, the teenage inmate faces serious charges including second-degree reckless homicide and battery, with potential penalties amounting to up to 58 years in prison. Despite efforts to reach his public defender for comments, responses were unavailable.
The altercation that led to Proulx’s fatal injuries occurred Monday night. Reports suggest the teen targeted Proulx after assaulting another staff member, who he accused of unfair treatment. Video evidence shows the teen delivering severe punches to Proulx, causing him to fall and suffer critical injuries.
The prison, which has faced scrutiny over allegations of staff abusing inmates, is currently under the watch of a court-appointed monitor. This incident adds to the facility’s troubled history, coming shortly after charges were filed against staff at another institution for failing to prevent two inmate deaths.
In response to Proulx’s death, Governor Tony Evers has ordered flags flown at half-staff as a mark of respect. Evers praised Proulx for his dedication and compassionate approach to his work with the youth at the facility.
Corrections officials highlighted Proulx’s contributions and expressed condolences, reflecting on the demanding nature of correctional work and the sacrifices it entails. Proulx had returned to Lincoln Hills last spring after a brief departure from the facility.
The broader issues at play, including staff shortages and the recent criminal charges against corrections staff, underscore ongoing challenges within Wisconsin’s prison system, which continues to grapple with both internal and external scrutiny.