Correctional Officer Tracy E. Cooper

Tracy E. Cooper

Correctional Officer Tracy Cooper died from complications during corrective surgery he was undergoing to repair an injury suffered while struggling with a juvenile inmate eight months earlier.

Correctional Officer Cooper had escorted the convicted felon to a court appearance in Cook County. The presiding judge ordered the inmate's restraints be removed during the hearing. Upon their removal, the inmate attempted to escape from the courtroom. Correctional Officer Cooper immediately subdued the inmate but tore his left rotator cuff when they fell to the ground.

During surgery to repair the injury, Correctional Officer Cooper never regained consciousness and passed away the following day.

Correctional Officer Cooper had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for 15 years and was assigned to the Stateville Correctional Center. He was survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.