ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) — Following the tragic death of corrections officer Rhonda Russell, a wave of condolences has poured out on social media.
There’s been nothing but love and support for corrections officer Russell, her family, and coworkers -- as the community comes to terms with the loss.
Piece by piece we learn more about who she was and the life she led.
As news broke that 47-year-old Russell had died -- folks ranging from public officials to fire departments and regular people offered their thoughts and prayers for her loved ones.
Support came from places as close as central Pennsylvania to places around the country such as Florida.
A social media post honoring Russell has circulated all across the country.
Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks issued a statement saying: "My condolences to the victim's family, friends, and coworkers. We will be working in conjunction with the Pennsylvania state police and other agencies regarding the investigation and will release a report/statement when the investigation has concluded."
Russell described herself in her Linked In profile, saying she’d been a corrections officer for 16 years.
It also says she attended Penn State, getting an associate’s degree in criminal justice and corrections.
6 News received this statement from the Blair County Prison Board, saying: "The Blair County Prison Board is sad to report of the tragic loss of corrections officer Rhonda J. Russell. We honor and respect our corrections officers and stand by them at this difficult time. Our sympathies go out to her coworkers, family, and friends. The county has provided resources to our employees to help them through this difficult time. Prison board will monitor the investigation and offer our full cooperation. We appreciate the support of the community at this difficult time.”
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