Autopsy shows woman found atop Chicago-area medical center died of hypothermia from cold exposure

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A 28-year-old patient dressed only in a medical gown and found unresponsive on the roof of a Chicago-area medical center died of hypothermia as a result of cold exposure, according to the preliminary findings of an autopsy released Monday.

Chelsea Adolphus was found Thursday atop the Vista Medical Center in Waukegan, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said in a news release.

Adolphus, of Waukegan, was admitted to the center about 4 a.m. Wednesday for an unspecified medical issue. She was noted missing from her room at 2 a.m. Thursday and found on the roof almost seven hours later. Waukegan’s overnight low temperature was well below freezing during that time.

Staff at the facility spent 14 hours trying to resuscitate and warm Adolphus, said Banek, who added that the woman's body temperature was about 50 degrees F (10 degrees C).

Adolphus was pronounced dead about 11 p.m. Thursday. Banek said the coroner's office was contacted about 10 minutes later. The coroner's office said it notified Waukegan police “of the unusual circumstances” and an investigation has been launched.

The autopsy was performed Friday. Results of toxicology tests on the body are pending.

“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 said in the release.

Kevin M. Spiegel, president and chief executive of Vista Health System, said the preservation letter is part of normal procedure and that “all records are saved in the regular course of business.”

“We have reported the incident to the state and regulatory agencies and are cooperating fully with them, as well as local law enforcement,” Spiegel said. “It is critical for the community, for the patient’s family and for all parties involved that a robust and unbiased investigation takes place.”

He added that because of the ongoing investigation and patient privacy regulations, specific health information about Adolphus will not be disclosed.

“We deeply regret the incident,” Spiegel said. “Our sincere condolences go out to the family during this difficult time.”

Waukegan is about 46 miles (74 kilometers) north of Chicago.