Victim Of Montco Prison Stomping Passes Away

NORRISTOWN, PA — The victim of a brutal assault at Montgomery County Correctional Facility passed away last month.

Stephen Klampfer, 50, was attacked by his cellmate on March 30, and wound up in a coma. He died at Penn Presbyterian Hospital on April 13 when he was taken off of life support.

In his obituary, Klampfer, native of Norristown and Oreland, was described as a "good, albeit troubled person."

"He tried to make his way in a world that provides far too little support for the challenges that face those with mental health problems," his obituary reads.

>>Man Stomped On Cellmate's Head 20 Times At Montco Prison: DA

The man authorities say is responsible for the brutal assault that led to Klampfer's death is Joseph Hodum, 38. Hodum was convicted in June 2018 of conspiracy-theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, loitering and prowling, and possession of an instrument of crime, according to court documents. He was serving out a sentence of four to 23 months, which was to be followed by three years of probation, and now faces additional charges.

Klampfer's full obituary is provided below, courtesy of his family:

Stephen John Klampfer born July 24, 1968, of Oreland and Norristown PA, died on April 13, 2019, at Penn Presbyterian Hospital at the age of 50.

Steve’s life ended tragically from brain injuries suffered in a violent assault.

Stephen’s life was not an easy one as he suffered from schizophrenia. He was able to live mainly on his own with the generous support of Horizon House and other mental health providers. He loved music and even fancied himself an aspiring musician.

Stephen and his twin James (who predeceased Stephen in 2011) attended Bishop McDevitt and Springfield High Schools. Stephen is survived by his sisters Maureen (nee Flannery) Gregg and Jeanne Flannery, and their husbands Elliot Gregg and Jack McCoy (who all reside in Santa Fe NM, a place the boys loved to visit from a young age), and nephews and niece Christopher, Dustin, and Bridget. His mother Marie (nee Campbell) Hogan and father John Klampfer predeceased him.

Stephen was a good, albeit, troubled person. He tried to make his way in a world that provides far too little support for the challenges that face those with mental health problems. In his last days he greatly benefited from the extraordinary care and compassion of the staff at Penn Presbyterian Neuro Trauma Intensive Care. Stephen is mourned, loved, and missed by his family.