Why is Abrazo Health Arrowhead being sued?

Abrazo Health Arrowhead is being sued in a wrongful death lawsuit after a 27-year-old patient, Kaelen Lachica, died following his discharge from the hospital.

What happened to Kaelen Lachica after his hospital discharge?

Kaelen Lachica was allegedly placed in a paid Uber by hospital staff and left on a sidewalk near a homeless shelter on August 13, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, during extremely hot weather.

What was Kaelen Lachica's condition before his discharge?

Before his discharge, Kaelen Lachica's health had declined significantly, with his lawsuit stating he was delusional and immobile.

Home / Crime and Justice / Man Dies After Hospital Dumps Him on Hot Sidewalk

Man Dies After Hospital Dumps Him on Hot Sidewalk

14 Feb

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Summary

A 27-year-old patient died after being discharged to a homeless shelter.
The family alleges the hospital paid an Uber to transport him.
Temperatures reached triple digits on the day of his abandonment.

Man Dies After Hospital Dumps Him on Hot Sidewalk

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Abrazo Health Arrowhead in Phoenix, Arizona, after 27-year-old Kaelen Lachica died following his discharge on August 13, 2025. His parents, Seth and Gayle Lachica, allege hospital staff put Kaelen into a paid Uber and left him at a homeless shelter in triple-digit heat, despite his deteriorating condition.

Kaelen, who had battled anorexia for nearly a decade, was hospitalized for a possible stroke and significant weight loss. In the days preceding his discharge, his condition worsened, characterized by delusions and immobility. The lawsuit states Kaelen struck a nurse and requested to leave against medical advice, but his address was known to hospital staff.