BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- According to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, a correction officer at Groveland Correctional Facility died in state housing. The officer was 53-year-old David Hilburger from Angola. According to DOCCS, Hilburger had his two regular days off on Monda y, April 7 and Tuesday, April 8. He was scheduled to work on Wednesday, April 9. When he did not report for his shift, DOCCS said a wellness check was conducted. Hilburger was found dead in his room in a nearby state housing unit. Family members told WIVB News 4 there is much more to this than just a tragic discovery. The sister of the victim said that Hilburger had been feeling sick, but she said out of fear of retaliation from Groveland Correctional Facility, he never sought medical attention. A photo started circulating on social media showing a sign placed inside Groveland Correctional Facility. The sign reads in part: "Any security staff member (CO or Sgt.) calling in will be marked AWOL." WIVB News 4 asked DOCCS for clarification on that photo. In a statement, DOCCS said, "The photo is of a sign reflecting the policy during the height of the strike and was taken down following the strike. Staff can, and have called in if they are ill, in accordance with our normal attendance control protocols." NYSCOPBA, the union representing New York State Correctional Officers, described Hilburger as a valued member of the union and the community he served. "His sudden death at Groveland Correctional Facility is tragic and NYSCOPBA will continue to monitor the on-going investigation surrounding the circumstances of his untimely death," said James Miller, a spokesperson for NYSCOPBA. Hilburger's family is continuing to make funeral arrangements. WIVB News 4 has reached out to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office for comment and have yet to receive a response. Latest Local News Former Congressman John LaFalce dies at 85 Groveland Correction Officer found dead in state housing Residents against Kensington Expressway Project react to DOT’s decision to not appeal ruling Medina man charged for possessing over 10,000 images, 6,000 videos of child pornography Hamburg man indicted for fatal hit-and-run, series of crashes in Tonawanda Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here. ...read more read less