An Iowa care home worker has been charged with leaving a 77 year-old retired social worker in her care to die outside in -9F weather.
Catherine Forkpa, a 30-year-old employee of Courtyard Estates at Hawthorne Crossing, was charged with dependent adult abuse and intentional reckless abuse following the death of Lynne Harriet Stewart, 77, on January 21.
Polk County deputies said Stewart, a widowed mom of one, and grandmother of one, died of hypothermia after being found outside the facility, which cares for adults with dementia, in subzero temperatures. She later died at a nearby hospital, according to KCCI.
The lowest temperature recorded that morning was -9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stewart had been staying at the assisted living facility, which houses people with dementia.
An online obituary for Stewart said: 'In 1971, she became a mother to her daughter, Sara Jayne Gwinn. She later met and married her husband Harry Stewart. Together with family and friends, they enjoyed many camping adventures, road trips, races, and making unforgettable memories.'
The tribute continued: 'During her career, Lynne worked for the state of Iowa as a social worker assisting families in need. In her free time, Lynne loved spending time with those she loved, creating beautiful gardens, listening to music, and reading novels. Lynne’s unconditional love, indomitable spirit, beautiful smile, listening ear, banter and wit will be missed.'
The Polk County Sheriff's Office had initially considered the death 'suspicious,' the outlet reported.
The assisted living facility was fined $1,500 in 2020 for not having a policy or procedure for their alarm system, reports from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals show.
However, a year later, the facility was found to be compliant in a 2021 report.
The results of an investigation, conducted by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals shortly after Stewart's death, have not yet been released as of Sunday.
Forkpa is being held on a $100,000 bond, according to online jail records.
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Catherine Forkpa, a 30-year-old employee of Courtyard Estates at Hawthorne Crossing, was charged with dependent adult abuse and intentional reckless abuse following the death of Lynne Harriet Stewart, 77, on January 21.
Polk County deputies said Stewart, a widowed mom of one, and grandmother of one, died of hypothermia after being found outside the facility, which cares for adults with dementia, in subzero temperatures. She later died at a nearby hospital, according to KCCI.
The lowest temperature recorded that morning was -9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stewart had been staying at the assisted living facility, which houses people with dementia.
An online obituary for Stewart said: 'In 1971, she became a mother to her daughter, Sara Jayne Gwinn. She later met and married her husband Harry Stewart. Together with family and friends, they enjoyed many camping adventures, road trips, races, and making unforgettable memories.'
The tribute continued: 'During her career, Lynne worked for the state of Iowa as a social worker assisting families in need. In her free time, Lynne loved spending time with those she loved, creating beautiful gardens, listening to music, and reading novels. Lynne’s unconditional love, indomitable spirit, beautiful smile, listening ear, banter and wit will be missed.'
The Polk County Sheriff's Office had initially considered the death 'suspicious,' the outlet reported.
The assisted living facility was fined $1,500 in 2020 for not having a policy or procedure for their alarm system, reports from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals show.
However, a year later, the facility was found to be compliant in a 2021 report.
The results of an investigation, conducted by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals shortly after Stewart's death, have not yet been released as of Sunday.
Forkpa is being held on a $100,000 bond, according to online jail records.
Care worker charged in death of woman who FROZE to death in her care
Catherine Forkpa, a 30-year-old employee of Courtyard Estates, was charged with dependent adult abuse and intentional reckless abuse following the death of Lynne Harriet Stewart on January 21.
Iowa care home worker charged over death of woman 'she left to FREEZE…
archived 14 Mar 2022 01:55:18 UTC
