ORIENT, Ohio — An investigation is still underway following the tragic death of Lieutenant Rodney Osborne during a training exercise at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) training range in Orient, Pickaway County. As part of the ongoing investigation, David Pearson, West Regional Operations Commander, has been placed on administrative leave as of April 10, 2024.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. on April 9, 2024, during a special prison response team exercise. Osborne was shot in the chest and was transported to Mount Carmel in Grove City before medical personnel could arrive on the scene. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Osborne was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Osborne, an “exempt” employee who supervised correctional officers, was assigned to Lucasville. He was a respected figure within the department, having served as a 13-year employee at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility (SOCF). He was a member of SOCF’s honor guard, Special Response Team (SRT), and the statewide STAR team. His colleagues had recently named him their Employee of the Year.
ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith expressed her condolences, stating, “Lt. Osborne was a beloved 13-year employee at SOCF. The Ohio State Highway Patrol Member Support Team and the ODRC Employee Support Teams have been activated and have been with our staff.”
The Ohio Highway Patrol continues to investigate Osborne’s death as a reckless homicide. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.