Corrections officer killed during exercise at Pickaway County training academy

ORIENT, Ohio (WCMH) -- A lieutenant was shot and killed on Tuesday during a "tragic accident" at the Corrections Training Academy in Pickaway County.

Rodney Osborne was fatally shot just before 11 :30 a.m. at the academy's tactical firing range, according to Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction director Annette Chambers-Smith. Osborne had served with the department for 13 years and worked at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Scioto County.

"This appears to have been a tragic accident, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating," said Chambers-Smith. "We ask that you keep Lt. Osborne's wife, children, loved ones, and team members in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

Osborne was part of the facility's honor guard and had been named employee of the year just last week. He was also a member of the special response team and the statewide special tactics and response team.

The highway patrol has yet to announce what led to the fatal shooting.