A 64-year-old grandmother has died in a tragic incident involving a deer she had rescued and cared for over many years.
A Fatal Encounter
Jodi Proger, aged 64, lost her life on November 15 after being fatally injured by one of the deer she was looking after at her home. The grandmother became trapped inside an enclosure with the animal, leading to the deadly attack.
Jodi had been licensed to care for deer and was well aware of the potential dangers involved with keeping wild animals. Her daughter, Jennifer Bryan, confirmed that her mother had worked within Belmont County to rescue and aid numerous animals throughout her life.
Rescue Mission Began in 2013
Jodi's journey with deer rescue began back in 2013 when she witnessed a devastating scene on a motorway. After seeing a doe killed by a car, she discovered its days-old fawn circling its mother's body by the roadside.
She immediately rescued the newborn fawn, naming him Wheezer, and fought legal battles to keep him after someone filed a complaint with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Officials had threatened to cull Wheezer, but Jodi successfully obtained the necessary permits to keep her rescued deer.
Life with Wheezer
In a 2015 interview with 12 On Your Side, Jodi described Wheezer as being "like a dog." Her Facebook page became dedicated to the buck, featuring numerous photos showing the pair dressed in matching outfits for various occasions including Christmas and St. Patrick's Day.
Over time, Jodi expanded her rescue efforts, bringing home four additional does and bucks. However, in a significant clarification following the tragedy, her daughter confirmed that Wheezer was not the deer responsible for Jodi's death. Jennifer Bryan explained that Wheezer had been neutered as required by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources when Jodi received her permit.
The family has requested respect and privacy as they grieve, describing the incident as a "sad tragedy." The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jodi's death.
While deer are responsible for approximately 440 human deaths annually in the United States, the vast majority of these fatalities result from collisions with vehicles. Wildlife experts note that deer account for more than 96 percent of all wildlife-related deaths in the country, making incidents like Jodi's particularly rare but highlighting the inherent risks of keeping wild animals, even those raised in captivity.
