Beech Tree News Network

A community meeting turned tragic on Monday evening, November 17, as Butler County Jailer Wayne Russ collapsed while attending the Little Muddy Rural Development meeting.  

According to eyewitnesses, Russ apparently became ill during the meeting and went to the kitchen, saying he wasn't feeling well.  He drank some water and was seated, talking to people but still appeared to be feeling ill.  

A few moments later, according to onlookers, Russ let out a big breath, put his hand on his chest, and then fell over.  It appeared that he was not breathing, and CPR was started immediately.  An ambulance was called and arrived promptly.

Russ was taken to the hospital where medical staff worked on him but he could not be revived and he was pronounced dead at the hospital.  

 Russ was in his first term at Butler County Jailer and he had already filed paperwork to seek reelection.