ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WVEC) -- The 4th employee has died on Thursday from the Pasquotank attempted prison break on October 12.
Geoffrey Howe, 31, a maintenance mechanic for Pasquotank Correctional Institution, passed away at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the Howe family,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “This tragedy has horribly impacted the lives of four families., as well as co-workers and friends.”
Howe is the fourth person to pass away from injuries suffered on October 12. Correctional officers Justin Smith and Wendy Shannon, as well as Correction Enterprises Sewing Plant Manager Veronica Darden, died from injuries from the incident.
He celebrated his one year anniversary with the Department of Public Safety in August.
The prison continues to be on lockdown. Members of the Prison Emergency Response Team from other state prison facilities continue to assist the local prison staff.
Four inmates were charged with first-degree murder in connection with the incident.