Negligence and Lies Exposed in Teen's Suicide at Mental Health Facility

Tragic Suicide at Madden Mental Health Center

• 💔 19-year-old Anthony Stringfellow Jr. died by suicide on his fourth day at the Madden Mental Health Center in Hines, Illinois, on February 7th, 2023.
• 😔 His mother, Athena Webster, is demanding answers, as Anthony was admitted after attempting to jump from a second-floor window due to severe depression.
• ⚠️ Anthony was classified as a moderate risk for suicide and was supposed to be under frequent observation, with checks every 15 minutes.

Staffing Shortages and Negligence

• 📉 The facility was significantly understaffed, with mental health technician trainee Rody Katan and Candace Burbridge responsible for 11-12 patients each in Pavilion 6.
• 🚨 Anthony was found by Katan and Burbridge in his bathroom, having died by suicide with a rope tied to the middle door hinge.
• ⏱️ Surveillance video later revealed that Burbridge failed to conduct the last two scheduled 15-minute checks on Anthony.

Falsified Records and Cover-Up Allegations

• 📝 Burbridge reportedly told investigators that a supervisor instructed her to falsify records regarding the suicide checks.
• 🚫 Katan, who tried to save Anthony's life, stated he refused to lie about the events, leading to his termination.
• ❓ Questions are being raised about how a prohibited item (the string used for the suicide) and an unaltered door hinge were present, despite statewide anti-ligature efforts.

Systemic Failures and Calls for Justice

• 🏗️ Emails exchanged shortly before Anthony's death indicate a lack of progress on anti-ligature renovations at Madden, with a state director following up after his death for the requested data.
• ⚖️ Lawsuits have been filed against Madden staff and the state, with the family seeking justice for the alleged negligence and cover-up.
• 🗣️ The discussion highlights the broader issues of understaffing in mental health facilities, the stress on workers, and the need for accountability beyond individual staff members, emphasizing that a cover-up is more damaging than mistakes.