Additional Coverage:
A lawsuit has been filed against Oregon State Hospital (OSH) and the Oregon Health Authority following the death of Kenneth Hass, an Oregon psychiatric patient who reportedly consumed an estimated 89 cups of toilet water and died from water intoxication while staff allegedly failed to intervene.
The family of Hass is suing the institutions for negligence, physical abuse of a vulnerable individual, wrongful death, and violations of his constitutional rights. According to the complaint, Hass was subjected to 250 consecutive days of isolation during which he was denied access to clean clothing and showers and confined to locked rooms soiled with feces and urine. The complaint notes that Hass was considered a fall risk and frequently consumed dangerous amounts of water.
On the day of his death in March 2025, Hass is said to have drunk approximately 5.1 gallons of water over a three-hour period while in a seclusion room. The lawsuit alleges that staff observed but did not intervene as Hass fell multiple times and vomited.
One fall reportedly occurred when Hass attempted to stand on a toilet seat, slipped, struck his head on a door, and collapsed to the ground. Following this fall, Hass exhibited signs of distress, including choking and spitting up white foam.
A Code Blue emergency was called, indicating a need for urgent medical support; however, the complaint states that staff did not immediately respond. It is further alleged that employees hesitated to enter the seclusion room due to Hass’s history of aggression.
Staff reportedly waited over four minutes before entering the room to check his pulse and only then began CPR. Emergency medical personnel arrived 15 minutes after Hass’s fall and took over lifesaving efforts, but he was pronounced dead 47 minutes later.
An audit by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services identified serious deficiencies in the hospital’s emergency response. Multiple staff members gathered outside the seclusion room but failed to promptly provide aid.
The crash cart was delayed in arriving and lacked oxygen, and the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was not used. The audit described the staff response as disorganized and confused, contributing to critical delays.
Hass had been admitted to the facility after facing charges including assaulting a public safety officer and criminal trespassing. Court-ordered evaluations indicated he exhibited delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts.
This lawsuit highlights grave concerns regarding patient care and emergency protocols at Oregon State Hospital as the family seeks accountability for the tragic death of Kenneth Hass.