Sen. Richard Blumenthal is demanding a probe into a fatal overdose at a Veterans’ Affairs center in his state, saying “reprehensible conduct” at the center may have caused the death.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the recent death of Zachary Greenough at the West Haven Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Medical Center,” the Connecticut Democrat wrote in a Dec. 24 letter to VA deputy inspector general Linda Holiday. “My staff has received allegations of reprehensible misconduct at West Haven that may have led to Mr. Greenough’s tragic death. I ask that you take immediate steps to investigate this death, and work with criminal authorities in their inquiries as well.”
Greenough, believed to be 29, died in late December after being checked in at the Connecticut VA facility for a post-traumatic stress disorder treatment program, the New Haven Register reported Saturday. His body was found with unspecified illegal drugs, according to a friend and fellow veteran quoted by the newspaper.
A spokeswoman from the hospital confirmed a patient in the PTSD program was found dead in a hospital bathroom and said it was “currently under investigation,” according to the report. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said the cause of death is pending and will release a report following further investigation.
Blumenthal, the top Democrat on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said his staff received information indicating that Greenough obtained illegal drugs while staying at the West Haven campus.
“A full and immediate investigation is essential concerning the specifics of this incident as well as systemic issues regarding staffing and security,” wrote Blumenthal. “In addition, there should be a review by your office and mental health experts as to whether this type of residential inpatient facility was appropriate treatment under these circumstances.”
“The very egregious factual allegations concerning this tragic death, while as yet unconfirmed, raise serious questions about access to drugs and other broader issues that may implicate policies and procedures at the VA,” added Blumenthal. “Any misuse or abuse of drugs, especially causing death to a veteran, is inexcusable. I am sure you share my outrage and that your investigation will reflect the urgency of this issue. My staff can provide additional information, and I would appreciate your briefing them on the steps that you will take in response to this horrible tragedy.” Blumenthal did not include in his letter the specific allegations that drew his attention.
The VA has faced intense criticism in recent years as veterans have had to endure long wait times to receive medical benefits. Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned in 2014 amid political fallout over an alleged cover up at a facility at an Arizona VA hospital. In September, the VA Office of the Inspector General found that 307,000 veterans thought to be seeking benefits died before becoming eligible.
