Brock Vergakis

The Virginian-Pilot

NORFOLK, Va. — A fourth prison employee died Thursday from injuries sustained during an Oct. 12 inmate escape attempt at the Pasquotank Correctional Institution in Elizabeth City, N.C., according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Mechanic Geoffrey Howe had been in critical condition at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital since the escape attempt.

Pictured is Geoffrey Howe. (Photo/North Carolina Department of Safety)

“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the Howe family,” state Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks said in a statement late Thursday. “This tragedy has horribly impacted the lives of four families, as well as co-workers and friends.”

Howe was 31 and celebrated his one-year anniversary with the department in August.

On Monday, correctional officer Wendy Shannon died from her wounds.

Correctional officer Justin Smith and Correction Enterprises manager Veronica Darden also died from injuries during the escape attempt, which is the deadliest in North Carolina history.

Four inmates have been charged with first-degree murder .

The inmates are accused of setting a fire before attempting to escape from the sewing plant at the Pasquotank County facility.

Ten prison employees were injured.

The prison houses about 676 male inmates.

©2017 The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.)