Family sues Hilo nursing home operator after coronavirus-related death of Vietnam War veteran

Star Advertiser

Big Island attorney Jeffrey Foster has filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of the sons of the late Chris Drayer, who died after contracting COVID-19 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home.

The suit, filed this morning in Hilo Circuit Court, names Noah Bennett-Drayer and Daniel Bennett-Drayer as plaintiffs. Among the defendants are Avalon Health Care, several affiliates and Avalon Regional Vice President for Hawaii Tina Irwin.

As Death Toll At Hilo Veteran’s Home Mounts, Family Calls For Criminal Investigation

Hawaii News Now

As the COVID-19 death toll at Hilo’s Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home continues to mount, one family of a resident at the facility is demanding a criminal investigation.

Mary Benevides says prior to contracting COVID-19, her dad was always smiling, joking and doting on his grandchildren.

“He was happy,” she said. “He was funny. You know just always happy to hear from his family.”

But now she says all of that’s changed.

“He’s not my dad. Like how my dad was,” said Benevides. “Every phone call. Every text message makes your heart stop. You never know if it’s going to be that call.”

It’s been that way since early September when Walter Santos was diagnosed with COVID-19. The virus exacerbated his once manageable ailments, sending the 75-year-old downhill fast.

Honoka‘a Woman Indicted in Connection to Foster Child’s Death

Big Island Now

“For the last two and a half years, the Garett-Garcia family has been stuck in a purgatory, waiting for Fabian’s killer to be held legally accountable for Fabian’s death. While the legal charges for the foster mother confirm the family’s worst fears, it also serves as an indictment for the foster care system on Hawaii Island. The family hopes that Fabian’s death will result in long overdue changes to the foster care system and a pledge of the necessary financial resources to protect children.”

Nearly 50 lava-related lawsuits filed

West Hawaii Today

HILO, Hawaii, May 6, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) –Lawyers continue to file cases against Lloyd’s of London and its associated agents, brokers and adjusters on behalf of lower Puna residents whose homes were lost during last year’s eruption of Kilauea volcano and whose lava-related insurance claims have been denied.