Family of woman found frozen on Waukegan hospital roof claims key video is being withheld
Family of woman found frozen on Waukegan hospital roof accuses facility of withholding crucial video
The family of Chelsea Adolphus, the 28-year-old woman found frozen on the roof of Vista Medical Center East, is demanding answers.
WAUKEGAN, Ill. - The family of Chelsea Adolphus, the 28-year-old woman found frozen on the roof of Vista Medical Center East, is demanding answers.
They claim the hospital is withholding crucial surveillance footage that could explain how she ended up outside in a hospital gown on a freezing January night.
What we know:
Adolphus, 28, was admitted to Vista Medical Center East on Jan. 21, and went missing at some point afterward.
Two days later, her body was discovered on the hospital’s roof. Sources indicate she may have wandered there in a confused state due to a medical condition, wearing only her hospital gown. The Lake County Coroner reported she had been treated in the emergency room for 14 hours before being declared dead at 11 p.m.
Sources also revealed that staff furloughs at the hospital resulted in the absence of "designated sitters" — individuals tasked with monitoring patients at risk of confusion or disorientation.
Adolphus' body was reportedly spotted on the roof by another patient’s husband.
What's next:
The family has filed a motion to compel the release of the video, which is now in front of a judge.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, says they aren’t asking for much—just the truth about what happened that night.
"If this was your family member, wouldn't you want to know if there was video that existed of how she was able to leave the room undetected?" asked Crump.
The other side:
Vista Medical issued a new statement on Monday.
"Vista Health System is deeply saddened by the loss of Chelsea Adolphus and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and all who are grieving.
"We do not provide comments or any materials regarding ongoing litigation. Vista Health System is fully cooperating with all legal and regulatory agencies and will continue to do so as required.
"Our commitment to compassion, integrity, patient privacy, and the highest standard of care remains strong and clear."
The Source: Information from this article was provided by Ben Crump and Adolphus' family.