Family to Sue Haverstock Hills Apartments Over Suspected Heat-Related Death

Suspected Heat-Related Death

• 💔 An 80-year-old woman, Carolyn Delore, died at Haverstock Hills Apartments, with her family suspecting extreme temperatures due to a lack of working air conditioning played a role.
• ⏳ Her family claims her air conditioning unit went out in June, and the wait for maintenance was excessively long, leading to a preventable death.
• 🌡️ Community activist Dr. Candace Matthews described the apartment as "sweltering," with evidence like melting candles and the deceased being "pretty much cooking on her couch."

Legal Action and Community Concerns

• ⚖️ The family plans to file a class action lawsuit, seeking to include similar complaints from other residents of Haverstock Hills Apartments.
• 🗣️ Other residents have reportedly contacted the family, sharing their own negative experiences with the apartment complex's maintenance.
• 🏢 The Harris County Fire Marshall's Office has toured the complex for fire safety inspections, but their authority does not extend to the interior of residential units.
• 🤝 Dr. Matthews is collaborating with other government agencies that have the authority to inspect the inside of the units.

Apartment Management Response

• 😔 In a statement, Haverstock Hills Apartments expressed sadness over the passing and offered condolences to the family.
• 🤐 The apartment management stated they are unable to provide further comment out of respect for the family and while facts are being reviewed.
• 🩺 Carolyn Delore's family confirmed she had pre-existing medical conditions, but the medical examiner has not yet determined the official cause of death.