A tragic incident unfolded in Stewartsville, Ohio when 64-year-old Jodi Proger, known for her work in rehabilitating deer, was found dead following an attack by one of the animals she was caring for.
Authorities were alerted to the emergency at Proger’s residence on the night of Saturday, November 15. Upon arrival, the sheriff’s deputies were informed by family members that Proger was trapped in an enclosure with a male deer she was trying to rehabilitate. The animal had become aggressive and attacked her, while the onlookers tried in vain to fend it off.
“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,” explained Sheriff James Zusack.
Proger had multiple deer on her property, and the specific deer involved in the incident was not immediately identified. The coroner’s investigation concluded that there was no foul play involved in the death of the beloved mother and grandmother, who is survived by her husband, daughter, and grandchildren.
Her journey of caring for wildlife began in 2013 when she rescued an injured fawn, Wheezer, who had lost his mother in a car accident. Proger brought him into her home, where he quickly became part of the family.
“I wasn’t gonna do it but I did it,” she recounted in a 2015 interview with The Dodo, expressing her delight in seeing the young animal adapt to his new environment. Wheezer became a fixture in the household, even mingling with the family’s pets. “He’ll climb up on the loveseat and he’ll watch a little TV and he’ll crash on the loveseat,” she said. “Him and the dog will lie on the floor with each other. He loves the cats — he licks them to death.”
Inspired by Wheezer, Proger continued to care for other injured animals, offering her expertise and support to others in her community. Her obituary highlights her dedication, noting: “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.’”
Following the tragic event, Proger’s daughter, Jennifer Bryan, addressed rumors that Wheezer was responsible for her mother’s death, clarifying that Wheezer had been neutered and was not involved. “Wheezer DID NOT kill my mother, he was neutered per the requirements of ODNR when she received her permit,” she stated. “My mom knew the dangers of owning deer, she’s been doing this for 12 years. This is a sad tragedy and we deserve RESPECT and time to grieve.”
Bryan further explained that another deer was responsible for the attack, and that her mother was alone in an enclosure when it occurred. At the time, Proger’s husband was in the ICU due to a workplace accident, which left Bryan’s husband to search the property for her mother.
“My husband searched the property, unable to locate her [for] what seemed like hours but was probably 20 minutes, he discovered the deer was not locked in and he struggled to close him in,” she shared. “The deer almost broke my husband’s hands during the struggle.”
In a desperate bid to reach Proger, the family made a difficult decision. “I told Matt to get his gun, if there was a deer in his way to kill it if he had to get to my mother. I stand by this decision,” Bryan said. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, Proger could not be saved in time.
Bryan recounted the heartbreaking moment when she had to inform her stepfather, who was in the ICU, about Proger’s passing. “I then had to call and talk to my stepdad who was in ICU burn unit and tell him his wife was gone,” she recalled. “I’m sure you could imagine the heartache that was exchanged as I stood outside screaming and crying for my mother.”