A lawsuit claims an Oregon adult foster home ignored safety plans, leading to the death of a man with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
The Victim
Lee Massie-Hardy, 31, was morbidly obese and diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a condition causing compulsive food-seeking behavior and inability to self-regulate food intake. He died in May 2023 after allegedly consuming spoiled food, leading to a foodborne illness and hypovolemic shock.
Alleged Negligence
The Duressa Teshite Adult Foster Home in Silverton is accused of failing to enforce care and safety plans designed to restrict Massie-Hardy’s access to food. Staff allegedly allowed him to steal and hoard perishable items and leave the facility unsupervised despite formal safeguards.
Medical Complications
Massie-Hardy went to the emergency room multiple times with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Healthcare providers considered viral gastroenteritis and foodborne illness. The complaint states that unrestricted access to unsafe food directly caused his medical crisis and death.
Legal Action
Massie-Hardy’s mother is suing the foster home, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and its Office of Developmental Disabilities Services for negligence. The lawsuit claims the agency and staff failed to actively enforce required safeguards, contributing to his death.
