Family Pleas for Answers After Daughter Found Dead on Roof of Hospital in Sub-Freezing Temperatures in Waukegan

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Chelsea Adolphus, age 28, died after being found Thursday on the roof of Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan; and her family is pleading for answers (John Garcia/ABC 7 Chicago). YouTube Tips ⓘ

Family members have come forward, identifying a woman who died at Vista Medical Center East after being found on the hospital roof in sub-freezing temperatures in only a hospital gown, as Chelsea Adolphus, age 28, of Waukegan.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office announced yesterday that a woman was found unresponsive on the roof of Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan Thursday morning, January 23, 2025; and was pronounced dead about 14 hours after she was discovered on the roof.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office was notified about 11:09 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025 of a death that occurred in the emergency room at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan with unusual circumstances. While an autopsy had been performed, the initial official release did not indicate the name of the victim, and did not indicate a cause of death or whether the death may have been related to cold exposure.




A preliminary investigation revealed that a 28-year-old Waukegan woman, who had been admitted to the hospital earlier this week for medical issues, was found unresponsive on the roof of the hospital at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025. The woman was moved to the emergency room where she was treated for approximately 14 hours, until 11:03 p.m., when she was pronounced dead.

Accidental hypothermia has a high rate of mortality.

According to Emergency Medical System protocols, treatment for severe hypothermia involves gentle treatment with slow warming using heated blankets — often placed on the chest, neck, head, and groin. A warming mattress is also recommended. Hypothermia commonly causes cardia arrhythmias when the core temperature falls below 82°F. Normal temperature for adults ranges of 97°F to 99°F, and is often specified as 98.6°F

Gentle treatment of a hypothermia patient is necessary to avoid causing cardiac arrhythmias. If endotracheal intubation is necessary due to respiratory arrest or extremely slow breathing, even endotracheal intubation must be performed gently to avoid stimulation of the vagal nerve or probing of the heart during contact with the nearby airway. Stimulation of the vagus nerve can slow the heart rate and can cause arrhythmias.

Hypothermia treatment also involves using IV fluids warmed to 109°F. Cold fluid IVs or normal room temperature IVs are avoided.

Treatment of hypothermia involves slow re-warming, but at least one study has shown no correlation between rewarming rates and successful outcomes.

The brachial artery (inner upper arm) temperature is often used to monitor body core temperature.

Patients are also assessed for frostbite, which is obviously not a complaint if the patient is unresponsive. Rewarming of frostbite can cause severe pain, and potent pain medications may be necessary.

Weather Observations Waukegan Regional Airport
Thursday January 23, 2025

8:51am NW 10MPH Temp 14°F Wind Chill 2°F

7:51am NW 10 G24MPH Temp 18°F Wind Chill 7°F

6:51am NW 14 G22MPH Temp 19°F Wind Chill 6°F

The Coroner’s Office notified the Waukegan Police Department of the unusual circumstances, and an investigation into the incident was launched. The deceased was transported to the Lake County Coroner’s Office where an autopsy was completed on Friday, January 24, 2025. The details of the autopsy results were not initially released.




According to the Lake County Coroners Office, the case is an on-going investigation by the Lake County Coroner’s Office and the Waukegan Police Department with developing details, and further information will be released early next week at a joint press conference. The date and time of the press conference was not initially announced.

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