An Ohio grandmother died after being attacked by a deer that she was attempting to rescue.
Jodi Proger, 64, was mauled after she got trapped inside of a pen with a buck that she was trying to rehabilitate at her home in Stewartsville.
The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an animal attack on the evening of November 15, according to a statement from Sheriff James Zusack.
Proger’s son-in-law discovered her stuck with the aggressive animal and immediately noticed that she had been brutally beaten.
He grabbed his gun and attempted to kill it in order to get to her and stop any further injury.
However, the deer was ultimately put to death by law enforcement who arrived around 11pm.
‘Tragically, Ms. Proger succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene,’ the statement continued. No foul play was suspected.
Proger’s daughter Jennifer Bryan explained on social media that the unidentified deer had escaped from his enclosure and the family was unsure how it had happened.
Jodi Proger was trapped and brutally killed by a deer that she was trying to rehabilitate
The 64-year-old had been inspired to rehabilitate wildlife by her beloved deer Wheezer (pictured)
Proger had been rehabilitating deer for the last 12 years. Pictured is her companion Wheezer, who was not responsible for her death
Bryan said that her husband went to Proger’s house when the family couldn’t get in contact with her.
‘My husband went instead of me, because when I realized she had not been active in FB [Facebook], my heart dropped and unfortunately I have suffered tremendous loss and witnessing it has changed me,’ she said.
The culprit was one of many deer that Proger had kept and cared for on the five acre farm she lived on with her husband.
‘My mother knew the risks, but she enjoyed every minute of loving and nurturing these animals,’ wrote Bryan on social media.
She said her mother had obtained all of the proper permits to keep and rehabilitate animals in Ohio.
Proger dedicated the last 12 years of her life to deer rehabilitation after rescuing her beloved companion Wheezer in 2013.
Proger lived on a five acre farm with her husband and their horses
Proger and Wheezer earned legions of fans online after she shared photos of the duo dressed up together, celebrating holidays, and lounging in Proger’s home.
According to a 2015 article from The Dodo, Proger found Wheezer in 2013 while driving down the highway.
Wheezer’s mother was killed in a road accident, leaving the fawn panicked and alone. With no deer sanctuaries in Ohio, Proger felt she had no choice but to take him in.
Bryan confirmed that it was not Wheezer who had killed her mother. Wheezer was neutered, trained, and even housebroken.
The deer behaved like the average American dog, according to Proger.
‘He’ll climb up on the loveseat and he’ll watch a little TV and he’ll crash on the loveseat,’ Proger told the outlet.
According to her obituary, Proger was ‘an avid animal lover’ who liked to ride horses and rescue injured creatures.
Proger’s daughter confirmed that it was not Wheezer who had attacked her mother
Wheezer was completely domesticated and house broken according to Proger
‘Over the years, Jodi has spent her time advocating for animals and wildlife,’ the tribute read.
‘Jodi provided her knowledge of caring for injured animals and offered assistance to others, which often included advocating and providing resources during their time of need. Jodi was appreciative and thankful for all of her “Wheezer Warriors”.’
She was survived by her husband, daughter, and three grandchildren. Her family asked for contributions to local animal shelters in her honor.
The Daily Mail contacted the Belmont County Sheriff’s office and Proger’s family for comment.
