On July 22, 2021, Correctional Officer Robby Welch died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty during the Pandemic while assigned to the Women’s Eastern Reception and Diagnostic Correctional Center in Vandalia, Missouri.

Officer Welch had served with the Missouri Department of Corrections for 13 years and was a veteran of the Army National Guard. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.