According to Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack, deputies arrived at the scene around 10:30 p.m. to find Proger trapped in a pen with a male deer. The animal appeared to have attacked her, and despite family members’ efforts to intervene, deputies were forced to dispatch the deer to ensure scene safety. Proger was pronounced dead at the scene.
Belmont County Coroner Amanda Fisher confirmed that the victim and her husband possessed the appropriate permits required for maintaining deer on private land, so the keeping of deer on the property was lawful. Fisher described the incident as an unfortunate and isolated event, extending condolences to the Proger family during this difficult time. She also noted that Proger was known to care deeply for animals, lending an especially heartbreaking aspect to the tragedy.
Authorities confirmed that no foul play is suspected, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources along with the Ohio Department of Agriculture have been notified and are involved in the ongoing investigation of the circumstances surrounding this rare and tragic attack.
The local community mourns the loss of Jodi Proger, who was a respected resident in Belmont County. This tragic event highlights the potential dangers involved in keeping wild animals even when proper permits and precautions are in place.