ICYMI: Illinois Woman Freezes to Death on Hospital Roof as Security Failures Spark Outrage!
A woman’s death from hypothermia on a Chicago-area hospital roof has triggered an investigation into alleged negligence. 🌐 #News #WaukeganIL #Illinois #Crime
WAUKEGAN, IL – A shocking case of neglect has rocked Waukegan, Illinois, after a woman was found dead on the roof of a local medical center. Authorities have confirmed the cause of death as hypothermia. The woman’s body lay exposed to freezing overnight temperatures, raising serious questions about security and hospital oversight. Now, investigators are digging into how a patient could vanish within a facility meant to ensure her safety.
Death on the Rooftop: Timeline of Events
Chelsea Adolphus, 28, was admitted to Vista Medical Center around 4 a.m. last Wednesday for alcohol rehab. By 2 a.m. Thursday, she was reported missing from her room. Seven hours later, she was discovered lifeless on the hospital’s roof, dressed only in a hospital gown, with temperatures below freezing.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office, led by Jennifer Banek, revealed Adolphus’ body temperature had plummeted to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Medical staff battled for 14 hours to warm and resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead at 11 p.m. The coroner’s office was alerted just 10 minutes later.
Autopsy and Toxicology Pending as Investigation Heats Up
An autopsy conducted on Friday confirmed hypothermia as the cause of death, but toxicology results are still pending.
Banek acknowledged that her office alerted Waukegan police to what she described as “unusual circumstances” surrounding the death, sparking a formal investigation.
“American Healthcare Systems and the Vista Medical leadership team has been issued a preservation letter by my office ensuring all paper, video, digital, and electronic evidence is not destroyed, overwritten, or deleted,” Banek stated.
Alarming Security Lapses and Prior Warnings
At a press conference, Banek openly criticized both the hospital’s management and its parent company.
She revealed that staff failed to notify the police about Adolphus’ disappearance. Additionally, hospital doors lacked alarms, and a second-floor door leading to the roof locked automatically after use.
Adolphus was only found after another patient’s family spotted her on the roof.
Banek also disclosed concerns she had previously raised about the hospital’s operations, accusing it of dangerous understaffing. According to her, 69 patient monitors—known as “sitters”—had been furloughed.
“American Healthcare Systems must be held accountable to provide safe, quality healthcare to Waukegan and its surrounding communities,” Banek said.
“It has repeatedly fallen short by failing to meet its financial obligations to vendors, clinical providers, the City of Waukegan for its water bill, in addition to $1 million dollars owed in back taxes.”
Family Left Devastated by Contradictory Hospital Accounts
Adolphus’ brother, Paul Adolphus, expressed frustration over conflicting explanations provided by the hospital. Speaking at the same press conference, he shared how his sister had trusted the hospital for her recovery.
“She came here because she trusted Waukegan Vista Hospital, that she was going to be better from rehab from drinking,” Paul Adolphus said.
“It’s not fair that my sister’s life was in their hands.”
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review video surveillance, staff protocols, and potential negligence that may have led to Adolphus’ death.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Illinois
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