Youth prison officer dies after falling ill at Reiby Youth Justice Centre

A staff member who became unwell while working at a youth jail near Campbelltown has tragically died.

A staff memeber at the Reiby Youth Justice Centre has died. Picture: Robert Pozo

A Youth Justice officer is believed to have suffered a heart attack after responding to an incident at a south west Sydney Juvenile facility — dying shortly after.

The officer is understood to have become unwell after an incident involving two detainees at the Reiby Youth Justice Centre in Airds at about 4.15pm on Tuesday.

NewsLocal understands the detainees became agitated and began damaging property in the unit.

A youth officer has died at Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre, Campbelltown. Picture: Adam Taylor

A source told NewsLocal officers were believed to have “used force” to safely secure the young people in the unit. However, at about 4.30pm, one officer began to feel unwell and was transported to hospital where he later died.

“It is believed he had a heart attack, however, that has not been confirmed at this stage,” the Corrections source said.

“The officer’s colleagues did everything they could to try and revive him, conducting CPR while paramedics were on their way to the scene.

“But the officer could not be revived.”

An officer has died at the Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre, Campbelltown. Picture: Adam Taylor

An email sent on Wednesday morning to the entire NSW Justice Department confirmed an employee at the Reiby Youth Justice Centre had died while on shift.

The Department of Communities and Justice Secretary said the cause of death was still being determined at this stage.

Justice Department employees also received an all-department missive from the Public Service Association of NSW acknowledging the unfortunate death.

“Last night, the PSA was informed of the death of a staff member at Reiby Youth Justice Centre. We…will be on site today and tomorrow to provide any support we can for members,” the email read.

“The PSA offers our sincere condolences to the staff member’s family, friends and co-workers at Reiby YJC during this difficult and challenging time.”

Department of Communities and Justice spokeswoman said staff are mourning the tragic loss of a valued colleague.

An officer has died at the Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre, Campbelltown. Picture: Adam Taylor

“The staff member became unwell while working at Reiby Youth Justice Centre on Tuesday and was transported to hospital where he later died,” she said.

“The Department of Communities and Justice is providing all available support to our staff at this difficult time and will continue to do so over coming days and weeks.

“We express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

The entire facility has been shut for new admissions until Sunday, February 13, according to a memo sent from Communities and Justice representatives.

Natasha MacLaren-Jones, the Minister for Families and Communities, said she was saddened to hear of the death.

“My condolences go out to his family and loved ones and my thoughts are with his colleagues at this sad time,” she said.

“While the cause of death is not yet known, this incident will be the subject of an internal review. As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”