Chelsea Adolphus, 28, was pronounced dead 14 hours after being found unresponsive on the roof of Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, Illinois. Adolphus had been admitted to the hospital on January 22 around 4 a.m. seeking medical treatment, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek revealed during a press conference on January 27.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. The coroner revealed that Adolphus left her hospital room at Vista Medical Center East around 2 a.m. on January 23 and was found nearly seven hours later on the rooftop, wearing only a hospital gown.
Despite 14 hours of resuscitation attempts, she was pronounced dead at 11:03 p.m. Preliminary autopsy results indicate hypothermia as the cause of death, with toxicology findings pending for final confirmation.
Upon Adolphus’ arrival at the emergency department, her body temperature was recorded at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Banek.
Due to the “unusual circumstances” surrounding her death, Banek’s office alerted the Waukegan Police Department to assist with the investigation. She said that the door Adolphus exited had no alarms and could not be reopened from the outside.
Banek, a former anesthesiologist at Vista Medical Center, noted that she had raised concerns about inadequate care and safety measures at the facility since December 2023.
“The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed those concerns by revoking Vista’s level 2 trauma designation for five weeks for not having appropriate blood supply and clinical staff available for patients,” she said.
“Most recently,” she added, “Vista Medical Center furloughed 69 employees, including sitters who are staff members that sit and watch to monitor to ensure patients are safe when they are most vulnerable.”
Banek noted that during a February 2024 press conference, she had warned that “lives were at stake” due to inadequate care and safety measures at Vista Medical Center.
“I had warned during a February 2024 press conference that lives were at stake,” she added. “American Healthcare Systems [the owner of Vista] must be held accountable to provide safe, quality healthcare to Waukegan and its surrounding communities.”
READ ALSO: Woman goes viral after dropping from a size 30 to 12; thanks to 1980s diet
In a statement shared with ABC affiliate WLS, the hospital said in part: “Our sincere condolences go out to the family during this difficult time. During an ongoing investigation and in accordance with HIPAA regulations, the hospital will not disclose any patient’s specific health information.”
Paul Adolphus, the deceased’s brother, described the family’s ordeal as a “horrible time” during a brief statement at the press conference.
“We want to know exactly what happened from when my sister stepped foot in that facility,” he added. “The family needs answers and we need answers immediately.”
Renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has said that he is filing a suit in the tragic death of Adolphus. In a statement, Crump said, “Chelsea Adolphus died alone, freezing on the roof of a hospital where she went for help – a place that should have protected her. Instead, she was left to walk through an unsecured door that locked behind her, sealing her fate.
“This lawsuit is about holding Vista Medical Center accountable for the horrifying negligence that led to Chelsea’s death and ensuring that no other family has to suffer such a preventable tragedy.”
