Lincoln Hills staff member dies after assault

A Lincoln Hills School staff member died Tuesday night from injuries sustained in an assault at the school Monday, the state Department of Corrections announced Wednesday.

Corey Proulx, 49, had returned to serve as a youth counselor at Lincoln Hills School last spring after briefly leaving the school two years prior, the agency reported.

“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. “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.”

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, the release states. At this time, the family does not wish to comment further and asked for privacy as they grieve.

In a message to staff at Lincoln Hills School, Superintendent Klint Trevino wrote the following: “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.”

According to the DOC, Proulx suffered fatal injuries when a 16-year-old youth caused his head to hit concrete. The youth also assaulted a second staff member who required medical treatment.

The incidents took place at approximately 8 p.m. Monday evening. The DOC press release indicated the department was actively working to move the youth to a suitable facility. However, late Wednesday afternoon Lincoln County authorities announced that the 16-year-old, identified as Javarius Hurd, was being held in the Lincoln jail on $100,000 bail after being charged with second-degree reckless homicide and felony murder.