TAMPA BAY, FL — The family of an 83-year-old Navy veteran is demanding accountability after he was found dead inside a walk-in freezer at The Waverly Assisted Living and Memory Care in Trinity. The man, identified as William Eugene “Gene” Ray, had been missing from his room for hours before staff located him.
Ray’s daughter, Kristen Spencer, said she learned of her father’s death after a terrifying search. “I woke up the next morning, and when I looked at the Ring camera, the light was on, and he was not in his room,” Spencer said. “When they told me they found him, the next words were, ‘He’s in the freezer.’”
A Devoted Father and Navy Veteran Found Dead at Assisted Living Facility
Spencer described her father as calm, funny, and creative — a man devoted to his family and proud of his 36 years of service in the U.S. Navy. “He was artistic, very creative, always happy, always smiling, friendly to everyone,” she said. Even while living with dementia, Gene remained active and upbeat.
In May, Spencer and her family moved him into The Waverly so he could receive more consistent care. She said conditions initially seemed fair, but later grew concerning. “As time progressed, you see things that start to send up concerns,” she said, citing issues related to staffing and supervision.
Details of the Incident
Spencer had installed a Ring camera in her father’s room to keep an eye on him from afar. Around 12:30 a.m., she saw him leave the room. Hours later, Gene was found deceased inside a walk-in freezer on the property. Authorities with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office said they responded to the incident around 8 a.m., adding that preliminary findings indicate the event was accidental and that no foul play is suspected.
Calls for Accountability in Nursing Home Negligence
The family is demanding a full investigation into how Gene was able to access the freezer and why he was not located sooner. “If we had not called the facility, when would they have found him?” Spencer asked. “We need answers. How could this happen?”
They are pushing for stronger safety measures at The Waverly to prevent other families from facing similar tragedies. “When you have vulnerable people in a place, you have to secure these areas,” Spencer said. “No other family should have to endure this.”
Assisted Living Facility Responds to Concealed Death of Elderly Man
In a written statement, The Waverly Assisted Living & Memory Care expressed sorrow over Gene’s death, calling it a “heartbreaking loss.” The facility said it remains in compliance with all regulations and emphasized that the safety and dignity of residents are top priorities.
“The Waverly community is deeply saddened by this loss,” the statement read. “We are proud of our staff’s immediate response and remain committed to transparency, accountability, and providing the highest standard of care.”
Investigators have not released final findings, and the family continues to await official answers about what went wrong that night.
Legal Options for Families After Assisted Living Facility Abuse
When incidents occur inside assisted living facilities, families are often left heartbroken and uncertain about their rights. We spoke with experienced elderly abuse lawyer Michael Haggard to discuss the legal steps families can take when a loved one is harmed due to neglect or unsafe conditions in a care home. Their conversation highlights how families can take action to protect others and demand accountability from those responsible.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a tragedy like this happens in an assisted living facility, what legal paths are open to a family seeking accountability?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Families can explore several avenues. One primary step is filing a civil lawsuit against the facility’s owners or operators for negligence — especially when there are clear questions about safety measures or staffing. That can include wrongful death claims, where compensation covers emotional loss, medical bills, and funeral expenses.
Banville: Would state regulations play a part in such a case?
Haggard: Absolutely. Florida has specific laws governing assisted living residences. If a facility fails to follow mandatory safety protocols, such as restricting access to hazardous areas, those violations can strengthen the family’s claims.
Banville: How quickly should a family act if they’re considering a claim?
Haggard: Time matters. Contacting an attorney promptly allows an investigation to begin while the evidence is still fresh. That includes securing surveillance footage, interviewing staff, and reviewing maintenance logs.
Banville: And beyond lawsuits, are there steps these cases can trigger for systemic change?
Haggard: Yes. Legal cases often push facilities to adopt stronger safety programs and increase training. While justice in court is important, preventing another family from enduring such grief is just as vital.
Families Deserve Answers and Support
If your loved one has suffered harm in an assisted living or memory care facility, you don’t have to face it alone. Our dedicated legal team stands ready to review your case, explain your options, and fight for the accountability your family deserves. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
Source
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
