An Ohio corrections officer has died following an inmate assault in a Ross County prison Christmas morning.

According to a press release from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, (DRC) corrections officer Andrew Lansing has died following an inmate assault at the Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe, Ohio Christmas morning.

DRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith released a statement describing Lansing as a "long-time, well-respected employee" at the prison further stating he was friendly and outgoing treating everyone with respect.

"The loss of a staff person is difficult, but to lose a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension. Instead of going home after his shift to be with his family on this holiday, Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same," Chambers-Smith said.

According to the release, the inmate suspected to be involved in the assault has been moved to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.