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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Family Files Lawsuit After Black Woman’s Body Found Frozen to Death on Hospital Roof

Chelsea Adolphus

Nationwide — The family of Chelsea Adolphus, 28, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, Illinois after she was found dead on the hospital’s roof. Preliminary reports indicate she died from hypothermia after being locked out of the building.

Chelsea, who was admitted to the hospital for a minor medical issue, was set to be discharged soon. Investigators confirmed that the door to the roof was locked from the outside, but how she ended up there remains unclear, according to ABC 7 Chicago.

Her brother, Paul Adolphus Jr., initially received false information from hospital staff, who claimed she had died near a Family Dollar store. He later learned the truth through social media.

Attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, filed the lawsuit accusing the hospital of negligence, medical malpractice, and premise liability.

Vista Medical Center East CEO Kevin Spiegel addressed the investigation and expressed concern over comments made by Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek. Banek, a former Vista Medical employee, had raised concerns about the hospital’s ability to care for patients. Spiegel accused Banek of retaliation and inaccuracies and requested her removal from the investigation.

“It is important to work in a detail collaborative and expedient manner. Not only out of the respect for the family, but also the sake of our community trust,” Spiegel said.

The hospital has requested an emergency injunction to remove Banek from the investigation and is calling for a thorough and fair process to resolve the matter.

“Vista Health System expect a thorough, fair and unbiased investigation to be conducted in order to bring clarity and closure to this heartbreaking situation,” Spiegel said.