(WXYZ) — An 88-year-old Brownstown Township woman, who was a resident of an assisted living facility, was found dead outside a nearby business on Sunday.
Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report:
According to the Brownstown Township Police Department, the woman lived at the Forest View Assisted Living Facility at 19341 Allen Road. She was reportedly found outside an eye clinic by someone who was passing by around 8:14 a.m.
First responders pronounced the woman dead at the scene.
Police say they believe the woman had been there “for a significant amount of time and was not dressed for the cold conditions.”
"Even if you're dressed for the weather, you can't be out very long in the conditions we've been facing," said Brownstown Police Chief Jeff Watson.
7 News Detroit has learned from investigative sources that the exits of the assisted living facility are supposed to be alarmed. An investigation is underway to determine whether the alarms were working.
"People live there in various conditions. Some people can come and go, and some people don't," Chief Watson said. "What the policy was related to her, that'll help us as the investigation goes forward."
"This is tragic loss of life. A licensed home for the aged is responsible to ensure the safety of its residents through care planning and appropriate staffing levels. Although the home is not required to have door locks or wander guards, it should have adequate staff to monitor residents, especially those with limited cognition, to ensure their safety given the temperatures are so dangerous at this time."
An autopsy will be performed by the Wayne County Medical Examiner.
We did reach out to Forest View Assisted Living regarding the incident, staff said they have no comment.
According to online state records, special investigation reports have found violations at Forest View Assisted Living over recent years. This includes resident care needs not being met due to low staff in 2025, and a poorly fitted front door in 2024.
