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Officer Dies from Injuries Received While Struggling With Inmate

Corrections Officer Kellie Pena passed away as the result of complications from an injury he received while struggling with an inmate.

On August 19, 2010, Officer Pena and three other officers attempted to restrain an inmate at the Neal Unit in Amarillo, Texas. During the confrontation the inmate was able to push Officer Pena to the ground. Two days later Officer Pena underwent emergency surgery for a hernia which he suffered during the struggle.

He passed away from a heart attack while still hospitalized from the surgery.

Officer Pena had served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for seven years.

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