Kenneth Hass’ sister has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that Oregon State Hospital failed to prevent his death in a seclusion room and violated “constitutionally protected ‘fundamental rights.’”
The lawsuit, filed by Sierra Hass, on Monday, July 13, in U.S. District Court in Portland, comes nearly 16 months after Kenneth Hass’ March 18, 2025 death at the state-run psychiatric hospital in Salem.
The hospital, overseen by the Oregon Health Authority, is responsible for the care of nearly 600 patients in Salem and also has a Junction City campus with capacity for up to 145. Most of the patients who arrive at Oregon State Hospital do so through the criminal justice system because they need treatment so they can aid in their defense…