Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, a former social worker, is weighing in on an ABC15 investigation following the death of 15-year-old Christian Williams in the state’s child welfare system.
“Throughout my career, I’ve worked with children just like Christian and his death is a tragedy,” said Governor Hobbs during a recent press event.
Christian is the second child with Type 1 diabetes to die in the state’s care in less than two years.
The Arizona Department of Child Services has since launched an investigation into Christian’s death and the agency has said its findings will be made public.
“I can’t comment on the investigation because it is ongoing, except to say that it is absolutely something we take very seriously and we’re looking into this,” Gov. Hobbs said.
Christian, a Type 1 diabetic, died in July 2024 while living in a Mesa group home. Records show he was allowed to refuse his insulin and by the time group home staff called 911 it was ultimately too late.
Christian was found unconscious when first responders arrived, according to Mesa police and fire reports he died at the hospital a few days later. The medical examiner ruled his cause of death as diabetic ketoacidosis, a preventable condition caused by not having enough insulin.