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A tragic incident at an assisted living facility in Trinity, Florida, has left one family grieving and searching for explanations. William Eugene Ray, affectionately known as "Gene," was an 83-year-old resident of The Waverly Assisted Living and Memory Care located at 9309 Mercy Way, Trinity, FL 34655. Roughly two weeks ago, Gene went missing from his room and was later discovered dead inside the facility’s walk-in freezer, according to Fox 13. His family is now questioning how such an event could occur.
Kristen Spencer, Gene’s daughter, described her father as a kind, hardworking man with a love for music and family. A proud U.S. Navy veteran with 36 years of service, Gene was known for his artistic talent, humor, and gentle demeanor.
"He was always happy, always smiling," Spencer shared. "He never raised his voice and had an incredible work ethic."
While Gene remained physically active, his family had begun to notice the progression of dementia. Earlier this year, Gene moved into The Waverly to receive the care he needed. Initially, the family felt reassured, but over time, concerns about the facility’s staffing and safety measures began to take shape.
Spencer had installed a Ring camera in her father’s room to monitor his well-being. On the night he went missing, footage showed Gene leaving his bed around 12:30 a.m. Hours later, when Spencer noticed he was not in his room, she contacted the facility and rushed over. After a tense search, staff informed her that Gene had been found—in the walk-in freezer.
"I couldn’t believe what I was hearing," Spencer recalled. "How does something like this happen?"
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and stated that preliminary findings suggest the incident was accidental. No foul play is suspected, but the family remains deeply troubled by the lack of oversight that allowed Gene to wander into a restricted area.
Gene’s family is demanding action to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated. Spencer emphasized the need for stronger safety protocols, particularly for facilities caring for individuals with cognitive challenges.
"When you have vulnerable people in a place, you have to secure these areas," she said. "No family should have to endure what we’ve gone through."
The Waverly issued a statement expressing sorrow over the loss and asserting that resident safety remains their highest priority. The facility maintained its compliance with regulations and praised staff for their response, while also addressing what they described as "false narratives" about the incident.
For Gene’s loved ones, the grief is compounded by unanswered questions and a sense of betrayal. Spencer’s trust in the facility was shattered, and she is determined to see improvements made—not just at The Waverly, but across the industry.
"This isn’t just about my dad," she said. "It’s about making sure other families don’t have to face this heartbreak."
The investigation into Gene’s death continues, and his family hopes their outcry will inspire meaningful changes to protect others in similar care environments.
When tragedy strikes in an assisted living facility, families are often left grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Michael Haggard, a Florida attorney experienced in elder abuse cases, shares his perspective on the legal paths available to families seeking accountability after incidents involving negligence or inadequate care.
Editor Darla Medina: In situations like this, where an elderly resident dies under such circumstances, what legal options are available to the family?
Attorney Michael Haggard: Families in these cases typically have the option to pursue a civil lawsuit against the facility. The claims often focus on negligence, especially if there’s evidence that safety protocols were inadequate or staff failed to properly supervise residents. Facilities have a duty to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals in their care.
Medina: What kinds of negligence might be considered in a case like this?
Haggard: Negligence could involve poor staffing levels, lack of training for employees, or inadequate security measures—like failing to restrict access to dangerous areas such as a walk-in freezer. It’s also important to examine whether the facility had a history of complaints or violations that might indicate systemic issues.
Medina: How difficult is it for families to prove negligence in court?
Haggard: It can be challenging. Families need to gather evidence, such as incident reports, security footage, and witness statements. Expert testimony is often required to show how the facility’s actions—or inactions—fell below the standard of care. That’s why it’s critical to work with attorneys experienced in elder care law.
Medina: Do you think incidents like this are preventable?
Haggard: Absolutely. When facilities prioritize proper staffing, training, and safety measures, tragedies like this can often be avoided. Prevention starts with accountability, and families speaking out can help push for better industry standards.
If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to negligence in an assisted living facility, you don’t have to face it alone. Understanding your legal rights is the first step in holding facilities accountable and preventing future tragedies. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. Your voice matters, and we’re here to help.
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