Local corrections officer passes away after battle with COVID-19, state department says

Source: Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

He worked at the Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown

Posted: Dec 18, 2020 / 08:06 AM EST

Updated: Dec 18, 2020 / 03:12 PM EST

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said a local corrections officer has died after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

According to a tweet posted Thursday night, corrections officer David Keith passed away after recently being diagnosed with the virus.

It is with great sadness that we report to you the death of Correction Officer David Keith, Ohio State Penitentiary, who passed away after recently being diagnosed with COVID-19. His friends, family, colleagues and loved ones are in our prayers at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/qLnDDSvKfd
— Ohio DRC (@DRCOhio) December 17, 2020

Keith worked at the Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown.

A statement from JoEllen Smith, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Corrections, said Keith was tested through the department’s staff-testing process.

“Mr. Keith was tested on December 11, 2020 through DRC’s staff testing process, and that test came back positive. The warden at the Ohio State Penitentiary has been communicating with his son, who joined us today as we honor his life and service to our agency,” she said.