CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – In a tragic incident that unfolded early on Christmas morning, a local corrections officer in southern Ohio lost his life following a brutal attack, reportedly by an inmate.
Officials say the attack took place in the early morning hours of Christmas Day at the Ross Correctional Institution. The corrections officer, identified as Andy Lansing, was rushed to Adena Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Lansing did not survive his injuries.
Death Row in Ohio currently is housed at the prison where Lansing was killed.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident and have not yet provided further details. The identity of the inmate involved remains undisclosed as the investigation continues.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections released a statement saying:
“It is with great sadness that I confirm the tragic death of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing following an inmate assault that occurred at Ross Correctional Institution this morning,” the statements reads. “Officer Lansing is a long-time, well-respected employee at Ross, and his untimely death – on Christmas Day – is heartbreaking for his family, the entire Ross Correctional Institution family, and our agency as a whole. Officer Lansing was loved by his colleagues and known to be a great support for his fellow RCI staff. He was a friendly, outgoing officer who treated everyone with respect and was always a professional.”
The statement added that, “The loss of a staff person is difficult, but to lose a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension. Instead of going home after his shift to be with his family on this holiday, Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same.”
The Ross Correctional Institution is currently operating under restricted movement, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s investigation is underway. The inmate suspect has been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, which is a more secure facility, according to the state, in Lucasville.
The Guardian will continue to monitor this developing story.