New details have emerged about the tragic death of Chelsea Adolphus.
The 28-year-old woman tragically died hours after being discovered on the roof of Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, Illinois, ABC 7 reports.
According to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek, preliminary autopsy results indicate Adolphus died from hypothermia, as a result of cold exposure.
Multiple investigations are underway to determine how she ended up on the hospital roof in such a vulnerable state.
Hospital personnel found Adolphus on the second-floor roof around 9:00AM last Thursday, Banek confirmed. Surveillance footage shows she left her hospital room at approximately 2:00AM, wearing only a hospital gown.
Seven hours later, she was found on the roof with a body temperature of about 50 degrees (10°C).
Despite the hospital staff's efforts to resuscitate her over the course of 14 hours, Adolphus was pronounced dead at around 11:00PM.
Her family is grappling with the devastating loss and seeking clarity on how such a tragedy could occur.
"We want to know exactly what happened from when my sister set foot in that facility," her brother, Paul Adolphus, said during a press conference at the Lake County Coroner's Office.
Adolphus had reportedly visited the hospital for a minor medical issue and was expected to be discharged soon. Relatives say they are baffled by how she accessed the roof, which investigators noted had a door that locked from the outside.
Hospital Faces ScrutinyCoroner Banek, a former employee of the hospital, has raised concerns about Vista Medical Center’s ability to provide adequate care.
"American Healthcare Systems must be held accountable to provide safe, quality healthcare to Waukegan and its surrounding communities," Banek said, referencing the hospital’s loss of its trauma designation last year and citing ongoing financial issues.
She highlighted that the hospital owes $1 million in back taxes and has failed to meet obligations to vendors, clinical providers, and even the city of Waukegan for its water bills.
Banek further revealed that the Waukegan Police Department had not been notified of the incident until her office made them aware. She has issued a preservation letter to the hospital, instructing them to secure all evidence related to the case, including video footage and digital records.
Heartbroken Family Speaks OutPaul Adolphus expressed anger and disbelief over the hospital’s handling of his sister’s death.
"My sister didn’t deserve this," he said. "She was young and changing her life around to be an amazing person to travel the world through real estate."
Paul also questioned the hospital's security and monitoring systems: "Where is the surveillance team? Where’s the camera? Where’s the, ‘Hey, where’s the doctors?’ We want to know exactly what happened."
He added: "I don’t think it’s fair that my sister came to a facility that is supposed to be safe, and they end up being the one causing the death of my sister."
Hospital RespondsAmerican Healthcare Systems, which operates Vista Medical Center, issued a statement offering condolences to Adolphus’ family but declined to provide specific details about the incident, citing HIPAA regulations.
"We deeply regret the incident that occurred at Vista Medical Center on January 23, 2025," the statement read. "We are conducting our own internal investigation, which is ongoing. Additionally, we have reported the incident to state and federal regulatory agencies, and we are cooperating fully with them and with local law enforcement."
A hospital spokesperson confirmed that an internal investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, the family has retained an attorney, who is reportedly considering filing a civil lawsuit.
As investigations continue, Adolphus' loved ones remain determined to uncover the full truth behind her untimely death.
Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.