Corey Proulx Obituary : Corey Proulx Death : Wisconsin Youth Prison Counselor Corey Proulx Died After Inmate Assault

IRMA, Wisconsin (WAOW) — A 49-year-old staff member at Lincoln Hills School passed away Tuesday night from injuries sustained in an assault at the school on Monday.

The staff member, identified as Corey Proulx, had been serving as a youth counselor at Lincoln Hills School since last spring after a brief hiatus from the school two years ago.

According to a Department of Corrections news release, a 16-year-old inmate assaulted a female staff member in the residence hall after returning from outdoor recreation. Shortly after this assault, the same inmate attacked Proulx, causing him to hit his head on the concrete.

Proulx was taken to Aspirus Hospital, where he was declared brain-dead on Tuesday afternoon.

“It is with tremendous sadness and regret that I announce the loss of a dedicated professional, colleague, and friend in the line of duty,” said Jared Hoy, Department of Corrections (DOC) secretary, in a DOC news release. 

“A career in corrections, with its dual mission to protect the public and guide individuals toward rehabilitation, can be demanding and requires many sacrifices from our staff and their families. 

Corey made the ultimate sacrifice. Our DOC family is mourning Corey’s loss, and we are keeping all of his family members and friends in our thoughts.”

The DOC release also shared sentiments from Proulx’s fiancée and daughter, who described Corey as an amazing partner, father, son, and human being. The family has requested privacy as they grieve and does not wish to comment further at this time.

In a message to Lincoln Hills School staff, Superintendent Klint Trevino wrote:

“Corey was a dedicated and compassionate member of our team, always striving to make a positive impact on the lives of the young individuals we serve. His commitment to our mission was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by all of us.”

Secretary Hoy is at Lincoln Hills School today to support staff and has deployed Peer Supporters from across the agency to help staff process this tragic event.