Correctional officer dies after inmate assault

ROSS COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) – A correctional officer has died following an inmate assault at a Ross County, Ohio jail, according to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC).

The fatal incident happened on Christmas morning.

“It is with great sadness that I can confirm the tragic death of Correctional Officer Andrew Lansing following an inmate assault that occurred at Ross Correctional Facility,” said RDC Director Annette Chambers-Smith.

According to Chambers-Smith, the inmate suspect was transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.

An investigation is being conducted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

“Losing a member of staff is difficult, but losing a family member on Christmas Day by someone in our custody is an unfathomable tragedy. Instead of going home after his shift to be with his family this holiday, Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same,” Chambers-Smith said.