Rescuer’s Tragic End: Ohio Grandma Killed by Deer She Saved

Tragedy in Ohio: Grandma Known for Wildlife Rescue Killed by Deer in Home Enclosure

The small, close-knit community of Stewartsville, nestled in Belmont County, Ohio, is reeling from a tragedy that has struck at the heart of compassion. Jodi Proger, a beloved 64-year-old grandmother who had dedicated more than a decade of her life to rescuing and rehabilitating injured deer, was killed after being attacked by a male deer being kept in an enclosure on her property.

The event, which occurred late Saturday evening, November 15, has been described by local authorities as an unfortunate and isolated incident. It is a profoundly heartbreaking loss that underscores the unpredictable, often dangerous nature of wildlife, even when handled with the utmost care and dedication.

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Proger residence after 10:30 p.m. for a reported animal attack. What deputies encountered upon arrival was a scene of terror and urgency. According to initial reports from Sheriff James Zusack, family members advised responding officers that Ms. Proger had become trapped inside the pen with a large buck. The animal, for reasons that remain unclear, had turned aggressive and was actively attacking the woman who had sought to provide it shelter and aid.

“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.”

In a desperate race against time, family members had already attempted to intervene, trying to subdue or dispatch the powerful animal themselves in an effort to reach Ms. Proger. However, due to the dangerous nature of the situation and the size and aggression of the deer, they were unable to secure the scene or rescue the victim before deputies arrived. Law enforcement’s primary goal shifted to ensuring safety. Deputies ultimately made the difficult decision to use lethal force, shooting the deer to neutralize the threat.

Tragically, despite immediate efforts by emergency medical services, Ms. Proger had already succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Belmont County Coroner’s Office was called in to assist with the investigation. Authorities confirmed that Ms. Proger and her husband possessed the appropriate permits required by the state for maintaining and rehabilitating deer on their private land. There is no suspicion of foul play, leading officials to classify the death as a devastating accident, a tragic culmination of the inherent risks involved in working closely with wild animals.

A Life Dedicated to Wildlife

To those who knew her, Jodi Proger was a fierce and tireless advocate for animals. Her passion for deer rescue spanned the last twelve years of her life, a commitment that began with a single, profound experience. In 2013, Ms. Proger encountered a fawn just days old after its mother was fatally struck by a vehicle. She made the choice that day to intervene, scooping up the frightened orphan and naming him Wheezer.

She brought the tiny creature into her home, where, alongside her husband, dogs, and cats, Wheezer was raised not just as a patient but as a beloved family member. Proger often shared stories about Wheezer, describing his domesticated life—how he would climb onto the loveseat to watch television, or how he would nap peacefully beside the family dog. This initial act of profound kindness and the success of raising Wheezer inspired Ms. Proger to dedicate her time and effort to other injured animals in need of rehabilitation.

Her compassionate work extended beyond her property. According to her obituary, Ms. Proger utilized her knowledge to help countless others, offering advice, advocacy, and resources during their own times of need. She maintained a supportive network of kindred spirits, whom she affectionately referred to as her “Wheezer Warriors.” Her loss is keenly felt throughout the local animal rescue community, where her dedication was legendary.

The Unpredictable Nature of Rescue

The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Ms. Proger was alone at her property at the time of the attack, managing the rescues while her husband was hospitalized in the ICU recovering from a separate work accident. Her daughter, Jennifer Bryan, later clarified that the aggressive buck that caused the fatal injuries was a different animal and *not* Wheezer, the founding inspiration of her mother’s mission. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Agriculture are collaborating on the ongoing regulatory review of the incident.

The death of Jodi Proger serves as a solemn reminder that the care of wildlife, though rooted in love and compassion, carries inherent dangers. Even a creature like a deer—often viewed as timid or gentle—can become aggressive, especially large bucks during certain seasons, or when feeling trapped or stressed in close quarters.

Ms. Proger’s legacy, however, will not be defined by the manner of her death, but by the countless acts of kindness she performed over her years of devotion. She is survived by her sister, her daughter, three grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren, as well as the enduring memory of a woman who gave her heart and her home to the animals that others had given up on. Her story is a painful testament to a life lived in service, a life tragically lost in the very pursuit of saving another.