Wisconsin Youth Counselor Attacked by Teen Inmate Dies

A tragic incident at Lincoln Hills School for Boys in northern Wisconsin has resulted in the death of Corey Proulx, 49, a dedicated staff member who succumbed to injuries sustained during an assault by a 16-year-old inmate, Javarius M. Hurd.

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections announced Proulx's passing on Wednesday, attributing it to injuries inflicted during the altercation, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Governor Tony Evers expressed profound sorrow over a Wisconsin youth counselor's death, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of his service.

According to DOC Secretary-Designee Jared Hoy, Proulx exemplified dedication and compassion as a youth counselor, returning to Lincoln Hills after a brief hiatus.

The tragic loss has deeply affected the DOC community, highlighting corrections staff's challenges in their commitment to rehabilitation and public safety.

Details of the Assault and Legal Proceedings

A Wisconsin teen inmate faces serious charges, including second-degree reckless homicide, felony murder, and battery by a prisoner, all stemming from the incident on Monday night.

The assault, which occurred in a residence hall at Lincoln Hills, escalated when Hurd targeted a female staff member before assaulting Proulx, causing him to strike his head on concrete, 2 First Alert reports.

Despite efforts to airlift him to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Proulx was declared brain-dead by the Lincoln County Coroner on Tuesday.

A Wisconsin teen inmate appeared in court on Wednesday, where details from the criminal complaint painted a grim picture of the events.

The complaint outlines Hurd's aggressive behavior towards the staff member, throwing soapy water at her and punching her before turning his violence towards Proulx in the courtyard area.

Video evidence captured the assault, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Facility Oversight and Challenges

Lincoln Hills School and its counterpart, Copper Lake School for Girls, have faced ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges, including allegations of excessive force and inadequate staffing.

Despite improvements noted by a court-appointed monitor, incidents like Proulx's death highlight persistent concerns about safety and operational standards at the youth prison.

Rep. Michael Schraa, chairman of the Assembly Committee on Corrections, lamented the tragic loss and emphasized the need for urgent reforms in response to escalating violence within DOC facilities.

He underscored the committee's commitment to holding hearings to address systemic issues and ensure accountability.

Corey Proulx's untimely death at Lincoln Hills School underscores the risks faced by corrections staff and the urgent need for reforms within Wisconsin's youth prison system.

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the assault, the tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges in balancing rehabilitation with safety in correctional settings, WKOW noted.

The community mourns the Wisconsin youth counselor's loss and advocates for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future, ensuring that those who serve in the line of duty are protected and honored for their dedication to public service.

This comprehensive overview captures the details surrounding the tragic event at Lincoln Hills School, providing clarity and context to a developing story impacting Wisconsin's correctional system.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Teen assaults counselor at Lincoln Hills Prison, resulting in death - From WISN 12 News