MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice says a second corrections officer in West Virginia has died due to complications with COVID-19.
During his Monday press briefing, Justice confirmed the death of Delmar Dean, 49, a lieutenant serving at the Northern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility in Marshall County.
Dean had been with W.Va. Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) for more than two decades. He had been battling COVID-19 for several months.
“Think about his family. Please, please, please keep all of them in your prayers,” Justice said. “I am so sorry. God bless them in every way.”
Dean, of Weirton, served with DCR for 26 years and died on Saturday. A 1990 graduate of Hampshire High School in Romney, he is survived by his wife of 15 years and their two daughters, ages 13 and 10.
Funeral services are planned for Wednesday in Weirton.
“The State of West Virginia and the entire DCR family are grieving this tragic loss,” DCR Commissioner Betsy Jividen said in a release.
“Special prayers and condolences also to Lt. Dean’s long-time friends and co-workers at NRJCF, and to all those who have been touched by his life and service, as we continue to navigate through these challenging times and heartbreaking losses.”
A DCR release says Dean’s death follows that of Cpl. Mark Rustemeyer, 58, who had served at the Saint Marys Correctional Center in Pleasants County since 1998. Rustemeyer died on January 2, also while receiving treatment for COVID-19.
DCR has had 725 positive tests results among staff, including contract employees, with 14 active cases as of Sunday.