UPDATE: Hostage situation ends with one employee dead

The Department of Correction Response Teams and the Delaware State Police report the hostage situation at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna is now over, with one person  dead.

Around 5:00 AM Thursday Delaware State Police reportedly breached the C Building where the hostages were being held. Officials say, one of the hostages who is a DOC employee was safely rescued and is being examined at a local hospital. The remaining hostage, also a DOC employee, was reportedly found unresponsive upon entry. He was reportedly pronounced dead around 5:30 AM.

According to officials, Building C is now secured. However, The Department of Correction will continue to operate under emergency procedures.

Shortly after Delaware Governor John Carney released a statement on the fallen Officer at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center. Carney says, "I'm praying hard for the fallen officer's family. This serves as a tragic reminder that members of law enforcement risk their lives every day on behalf of the people of Delaware. We will stand by the fallen officer's family and fellow law enforcement officers during what is an extremely difficult time.

This was a long and agonizing situation. I want to thank all those involved in responding, including officers at the Department of Correction and the Delaware State Police, as well as our federal partners. Our priority now will be to determine what happened and how this happened. We will hold accountable anyone who was responsible. And we will make whatever changes are necessary to ensure nothing like it ever happens again."

The hostage situation began on Wednesday around 10:30 AM, when four members of Department of Correction staff were taken hostage in Building C at JTVCC.

The DOC will release additional information as it is appropriate.

Governor Carney, Secretary Coupe, and Commissioner Phelps plan to host a press conference at 10:30 AM at Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Glasgow.