GARFIELD COUNTY – Authorities have released the name of the man who died Tuesday following an alleged assault by a teen resident at a rehabilitation facility near Escalante, Utah.
Jimmy Woolsey, 61, of Escalante, was killed Tuesday morning when he was attacked by a 17-year-old male student at the Turn-About Ranch, according to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.
Following the attack on Woolsey that occurred around 7:30 a.m., the teen suspect was confronted by an adult female staff member after being alerted about the assault by another youth resident.
The female staff member was also attacked and injured, though was able to keep the suspect from getting inside a building where others were. She was ultimately taken to a nearby hospital and reported to be in stable condition.
The teen then stole a staff member’s vehicle and was driving at high speeds towards Escalante when Garfield County Sheriff deputies encountered him and engaged in a pursuit. The deputies used a PIT maneuver during the chase that resulted in the suspect crashing the vehicle.
The teen suspect was subsequently taken into custody. His name has not been released by authorities due to his juvenile status.
A GoFundMe.com memorial fund has been set up in Woolsey’s name to to aid with funerary and other expenses. The fund account has raised over $5,255 of its $15,000 goal as of 5:50 p.m. Wednesday.
From the GoFundMe page:
Jimmy Woolsey’s life was taken while he was working with troubled youth on Tuesday, December 6th, 2016. His family and community feel devastated from the tragedy. Many feel helpless and wish to know what they can do. This page has been set up to help defray the cost of the funeral expenses, and to help the family get back on their feet. He leaves behind a wife and young daughter.
Ed. note: St. George News has not verified information provided in connection with fundraising accounts mentioned in this article and does not assure that monies deposited to the accounts will be applied as described.
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