KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A staff member at the Lansing Correctional Facility died Monday from complications related to COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Corrections confirmed Tuesday.
The man, who was over the age of 60, had more than 30 years of experience working with the KDOC.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly identified the staff member Wednesday as George Bernard "Bernie" Robare.
He is the first staff member to die from the outbreak at the Lansing prison, where more than 750 people have tested positive for the virus. Most recently, he had been serving as a corrections supervisor.
“Our staff put themselves on the frontlines every day, but especially during this pandemic,” KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and to those who worked alongside him for so many years. This is an extremely sad day and one that we hoped would never come.”
At KDOC’s last report, 694 inmates and 88 staff members had tested positive for the virus, the majority of whom were asymptomatic.
Three inmates have died.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also released a statement about the Lansing staff member's death: “The dedication that our Kansas public servants have shown during this pandemic is commendable. We are extremely saddened by the news of this passing and I extend my condolences to both his family and those who worked alongside him.”
