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Family seeks answers on a father’s final days battling COVID-19 at veterans home
News Source: Hawaii News Now
The family of Chris Drayer, a decorated Vietnam veteran who died from COVID-19 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, has filed a lawsuit against Avalon Health Care, the facility’s manager. The lawsuit, filed by Kona lawyer Jeffrey Foster on behalf of Drayer’s sons, alleges that Avalon’s substandard care and lack of health safety practices led to Drayer’s death. Foster criticized Avalon for its failure to protect vulnerable residents and cited federal and state investigators’ findings of errors and omissions at the home that allowed the virus to spread.
Drayer’s death is among 27 at the veterans home attributed to COVID-19. The lawsuit claims that Avalon’s actions represent a systemic failure to implement and follow established protections for residents. Avalon has defended its response, stating that it followed guidance from health authorities during the pandemic.
The outbreak at Okutsu resulted in 71 residents and 35 employees testing positive for the virus. In response, the Department of Veterans Affairs mobilized a team of experts to help contain the spread. The lawsuit seeks answers for the families of the veterans and aims to deliver justice for their losses.
Chris Drayer, a Bronze Star recipient for heroic and meritorious deeds in Vietnam, served two tours of duty. Following the outbreak, Avalon Health Care and the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. agreed to transfer management of the veterans home to East Hawaii HHSC, which operates the Hilo Medical Center.
The family of Chris Drayer, a decorated Vietnam veteran who died from COVID-19 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, has filed a lawsuit against Avalon Health Care, the facility’s manager. The lawsuit, filed by Kona lawyer Jeffrey Foster on behalf of Drayer’s sons, alleges that Avalon’s substandard care and lack of health safety practices led to Drayer’s death. Foster criticized Avalon for its failure to protect vulnerable residents and cited federal and state investigators’ findings of errors and omissions at the home that allowed the virus to spread.
Drayer’s death is among 27 at the veterans home attributed to COVID-19. The lawsuit claims that Avalon’s actions represent a systemic failure to implement and follow established protections for residents. Avalon has defended its response, stating that it followed guidance from health authorities during the pandemic.
The outbreak at Okutsu resulted in 71 residents and 35 employees testing positive for the virus. In response, the Department of Veterans Affairs mobilized a team of experts to help contain the spread. The lawsuit seeks answers for the families of the veterans and aims to deliver justice for their losses.
Chris Drayer, a Bronze Star recipient for heroic and meritorious deeds in Vietnam, served two tours of duty. Following the outbreak, Avalon Health Care and the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. agreed to transfer management of the veterans home to East Hawaii HHSC, which operates the Hilo Medical Center.
