Correctional Officer Corey Proulx, 49, of Lincoln Hills-Copper Lake Schools, the state’s youth prison in Irma in northern Wisconsin, has died from his injuries after he was assaulted by a teen incarcerated there.

The teen has been charged as an adult with second-degree reckless homicide, felony murder and two felony counts of battery by a prisoner.

Gov. Tony Evers has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor Proulx.

“Our hearts break for Corey, his family and loved ones, his colleagues at the department, and all those who knew and loved him,” Evers said in a release. “By all accounts, Corey was a dedicated public servant who led with kindness and compassion in his commitment toward helping and supporting the youth he worked with.”

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

Family members including his fiancee and daughter told Hoy he was “an amazing partner, father, son and human being,” the press release said.

Officer Proulx was signed up to be an organ donor, and his family pursued that option, she said.

Lincoln Hills Superintendent Klint Trevino recalled Proulx as 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,” Trevino said.

The teen, a 16-year-old boy, first assaulted a 25-year-old female staff member in a residence hall after returning from outdoor recreation about 8 p.m. Monday, according to initial information from the Department of Corrections.  She was taken to a hospital, treated and released.  The teen then assaulted Proulx who hit his head on concrete. Proulx was taken by helicopter to a hospital for treatment.

A criminal complaint released Wednesday quoted the teen telling investigators that he had “built up aggression” toward the female staff member, believing she had been treating him unfairly. The teen had thrown a cup of soapy water into the woman’s face before he began repeatedly punching her, the complaint says.

He ran into an outdoor courtyard where Proulx tried to detain the teen, who then began punching Proulx, according to the complaint.  The teen continued to swing at Officer Proulx until he fell to the ground, his head hitting the concrete.

Officer Proulx was transported by air to the hospital where he died the following day.

Officer Proulx’s fiancée and daughter shared with Secretary Hoy that they would like everyone to know that Corey was an amazing partner, father, son and human being. At this time, the family does not wish to comment further and asks for privacy as they grieve.  His wishes were not to have a funeral and the family will be honoring that wish.  Officer Proulx did have an honor walk at the hospital prior to the donation of his organs.

Please keep his family, correctional brothers and sisters and friends in your thoughts and prayers.