Stewartsville, Ohio — A 64-year-old woman who rehabilitated deer was killed after one of the animals she was caring for turned aggressive and attacked her inside an enclosure late on Nov. 15. Deputies shot the deer to secure the scene and reach the woman, who was pronounced dead at the property.
Belmont County deputies were dispatched to the property at approximately 10:27 p.m. after reports of an animal attack. Family members told officers that the woman, Jodi Proger, had become trapped inside an enclosure with a male deer she had been attempting to rehabilitate when the animal suddenly attacked.
“Family members attempted to intervene and dispatch the animal prior to the arrival of law enforcement to reach the victim; however, the animal was ultimately dispatched by responding deputies to ensure scene safety,” Sheriff James Zusack wrote in a statement.
The Belmont County Coroner’s Office was called to assist, and authorities say no foul play is suspected. Deputies secured the scene before the coroner pronounced Proger deceased.
Proger first gained attention in 2013 when she rescued a fawn whose mother had been struck by a car. She named the fawn Wheezer and raised him in her home; that experience led her to help other injured deer and to share care tips and resources with members of her community. Her obituary and social posts from friends and family describe her as a dedicated animal rescuer and advocate.
Proger’s daughter, Jennifer Bryan, wrote on social media that the deer involved in the fatal attack was not Wheezer. “Wheezer DID NOT kill my mother; he was neutered per the requirements of ODNR when she received her permit,” Bryan said.
According to Bryan’s account, Proger was alone at the time of the attack; her husband was hospitalized and recovering from a work accident in an intensive care unit. When family members could not reach Proger, her husband went to the property to search for her and encountered the loose deer. Bryan said he struggled to close the animal back into its enclosure and that the deer nearly injured his hands during the struggle. She added that she told her husband to shoot the deer if it was blocking his way to reach his wife.
Family and law enforcement accounts indicate relatives attempted to control the animal before deputies arrived. Ultimately, responding officers fatally shot the deer to make the scene safe and access Proger.
Proger is survived by her daughter Jennifer Bryan, a sister, three grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, and no criminal conduct has been alleged.
Note: This article reflects statements from family members and law enforcement; efforts were made to preserve the family’s account and official information about the response and investigation.
