Jodi Proger was a 64-year-old grandmother from Stewartsville, Ohio, whose life was deeply defined by her love for deer. For over a decade, she rescued and rehabilitated injured whitetail deer on her own five-acre property. Her passion made her well-known in her community, but tragically, that same devotion led to her untimely death.
The Fatal Incident
On the night of November 15, deputies from the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office were called to Jodi’s home after reports of an animal attack. When they arrived, family members explained that Jodi had become trapped inside a pen with a male deer she was housing. According to the officials, the deer suddenly turned aggressive. Despite desperate attempts by her relatives to intervene, one officer ultimately had to shoot the animal to reach Jodi. She was declared dead at the scene.
A Life of Rescuing Deer
Jodi’s journey as a deer rescuer began in 2013. She discovered a fawn whose mother had been killed in a vehicle accident, and she immediately felt compelled to help. She took in the orphaned baby deer, naming him Wheezer, and raised him on her property. Over the years, her mission grew; she cared not only for Wheezer, but also for other injured deer, making her home a haven for wildlife in need.
Confusion Over the Attacking Deer
In the aftermath of Jodi’s death, her family faced difficult and painful questions: which deer was responsible for the attack? Several deer were in the enclosure with her at the time, making the exact buck behind the aggression unclear.
Rumors immediately spread about Wheezer, the fawn she had rescued years ago — but her daughter, Jennifer Bryan, strongly denied that he was involved. She emphasized that Wheezer had been neutered under state regulations, making him unlikely to attack.
Risk Acknowledged
Jodi’s daughter made it clear that her mother understood the dangers of keeping wild animals. She noted that her mother held the necessary permits from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to care for deer on her property.
Still, her family described the event as a tragic reminder that even experienced wildlife caregivers can face unpredictable danger.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Following the incident, both the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Agriculture were notified. Local law enforcement made clear that, based on the available evidence, they did not suspect any foul play. The coroner’s office was called to the scene to investigate further, and the case has left the community reeling.
Remembering Her Legacy
Despite the tragic end, Jodi’s legacy as a compassionate animal rescuer resonates deeply. Her willingness to step in when others would not — to save and care for vulnerable deer — spoke to her generous spirit and profound respect for nature.
Her family and community are now grappling with the loss, sharing grief and memories in the wake of a life given so selflessly to the wildlife she loved.
Conclusion
Jodi Proger’s tragic death serves as a powerful reminder of the risks involved in caring for wild animals, even for those with years of experience and permits. Her life reflected immense compassion and dedication, as she devoted herself to rescuing and nurturing injured deer. Yet, her passing also highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the dangers that come with close interaction. While the community mourns her loss, her legacy endures through the countless animals she saved and the example she set for others: that true care and kindness toward nature often require courage, commitment, and an understanding of its inherent risks.
