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Wrongful death suit filed in veterans home COVID-19 death
News Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald
Big Island attorney Jeffrey Foster has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the sons of Chris Drayer, who died after contracting COVID-19 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. The suit, filed in Hilo Circuit Court, names Noah Bennett-Drayer and Daniel Bennett-Drayer as plaintiffs and includes Avalon Health Care, several affiliates, and Avalon Regional Vice President for Hawaii Tina Irwin as defendants.
Drayer, a 70-year-old resident of Volcano and a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Vietnam, passed away on September 2 at the Hilo veterans home. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, damages to be proven at trial, and court costs.
In a news release, Foster expressed outrage at Avalon’s alleged failure to protect Drayer, stating, “Chris Drayer did not deserve to die at Yukio. He died because Avalon failed to keep him safe.” Foster criticized Avalon for what he described as a systemic failure to implement and follow established policies, practices, and procedures to protect vulnerable residents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This lawsuit is part of a larger pattern of legal actions taken against Avalon in response to the COVID-19 outbreak at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, which has claimed the lives of several residents. Foster’s firm, Foster Law Offices, is representing the families of veterans who have been affected by the outbreak and is committed to seeking justice for their clients.
