Former Clallam Bay correctional officer dies of complications from COVID-19

TUMWATER – A corrections officer who once worked at the Clallam Bay Correctional Center has died of complications from COVID-19, the State Department of Corrections has said.

Prison officer David A. Christensen, 62, died on Tuesday, the department said on Wednesday.

“Our hearts go out to the grieving family of Constable Christensen and honor the sacrifice they made,” said Stephen Sinclair, Secretary of Corrections.

“It is a tragedy to lose a member of our public safety community and our correctional family.”

Christensen had worked for the Ministry since May 2020 after serving from 2015 to 2017 at the Clallam Bay and Stafford Creek Correctional Centers.

Christensen has had a long career in corrections and criminal justice, working over the years for the Oregon Department of Corrections, Grays Harbor County Jail, Aberdeen Police Department, and the Department of Grays Harbor County miners.

“I have known Dave personally for several years and he has always impressed me with his leadership skills and his desire to support his fellow officers,” said Ron Haynes, Superintendent of the Stafford Creek Corrections Center.

“Dave was a good man and we are all missed by all of us who had the honor of working with and knowing him.

The department will be considering Christensen’s death as a possible death in the line of duty.