UPMC Not to Be Charged in Rooftop Death

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala today announced he will not try UPMC Montefiore for the December death of Rose Lee Diggs. Diggs was found dead on the morning of December 2nd on the hospital rooftop where it is presumed she had wandered the night before. Officials say Diggs suffered from dementia and family members say she had a history of wandering. Diggs allegedly wandered up the stairs to the roof top wearing only a dressing gown and slippers. Temperatures dipped to 23 degrees that night and Diggs is ruled to have died from exposure.

Investigators show there may have been a faulty lock on the rooftop door and that an alarm system that should have rang when the door was opened was tampered with.

Despite speculation of an attempted cover-up by the hospital, Zappala says his office lacks sufficient evidence to pursue the case.

Diggs’ family has brought suit against UPMC for wrongful death.