TRINITY, FL – The family of an 83-year-old man is seeking answers after he was discovered deceased in a walk-in freezer at an assisted living facility. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office reported that William Eugene Ray, who had been diagnosed with dementia, was found in the freezer at the Waverly Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Ray’s daughter, Kristen Spencer, described him as a creative and friendly individual, a proud Navy veteran, and a devoted family man. The family had moved him into the facility in May when his dementia began to progress, despite his remaining physically active.
Initially, the family had no issues with the care provided. However, Spencer noted that over time, concerns about staffing and safety began to arise. To monitor her father, Spencer installed a ring camera in his room.
Spencer recounted the distressing moment she discovered her father was missing. Upon checking the camera, she saw he left his room around 12:30 a.m. Panic set in, and she immediately contacted the facility and her mother.
The family rushed to the facility, where they were eventually informed that Ray had been found in the freezer. Spencer questioned how this could happen, emphasizing the need for answers and accountability.
A spokesman for the Waverly expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that the community is heartbroken by the loss. He assured that the staff responded promptly to the situation.
Despite the facility’s assurances of compliance with regulations and a commitment to resident safety, Spencer remains concerned about the lack of basic safety measures. She criticized the facility for not securing areas that could pose dangers to vulnerable residents.
As of now, the family has not received further explanation or communication from the facility regarding the incident. They continue to seek clarity and assurance that such a tragedy will not occur again.