WAUKEGAN, IL – Authorities in Waukegan are delving into the mysterious death of a woman who vanished from a local hospital only to be discovered lifeless on its rooftop two days later. The incident has left her family reeling with grief and anger, as they seek answers about her tragic passing.
Chelsea Adolphus, 28, was admitted to Vista Medical Center East on a Tuesday, and her sudden disappearance shortly thereafter has sparked an investigation. It wasn’t until Thursday morning that she was found unresponsive on the hospital’s rooftop. Despite extensive efforts by medical personnel who worked tirelessly for 14 hours in the emergency room, she could not be revived and was pronounced dead late that night.
Family members are expressing outrage, alleging they were misled by hospital staff regarding Chelsea’s whereabouts. They are now demanding transparency and accountability from the medical facility. The Lake County Coroner’s Office has conducted an autopsy, though results have yet to be disclosed. Authorities have announced a joint press conference next week to address the ongoing investigation.
Sources indicate that recent staffing cuts at the hospital might have contributed to the tragic outcome. The absence of designated sitters, who typically monitor patients experiencing confusion due to medical conditions, is under scrutiny. Chelsea, reportedly in a disoriented state and clad only in a hospital gown, somehow made her way to the rooftop, where she was ultimately discovered by a visitor who happened to glance up.
This incident is not the first time Vista Medical Center East has faced challenges. The hospital previously lost its trauma center status after state officials identified deficiencies in essential services, including the absence of a blood bank, anesthesia, and a full-time trauma coordinator. While the facility has since regained its status, the latest events have raised new concerns.
Efforts to reach hospital management for comment have been unsuccessful so far. As Chelsea’s family grapples with their loss, they are in the process of arranging a memorial service to honor her memory.