Brookdale resident found dead on bus

A Brookdale Senior Living resident was found dead more than a day after boarding a bus for a one-hour ride around Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Mary Schlecht, 84, was one of a handful of residents who went on a scenic ride that Brookdale Tulsa Midtown offers residents at 1 p.m. each Saturday.

It wasn’t until a relative visited at 7:30 p.m. Sunday that they realized Schlecht was still on the bus, more than 29 hours later. Police told local NBC station KJRH that it was likely a medical issue that prevented Schlecht from getting off the bus or calling for help.  And it was hot—a high of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Weather Underground.  

Police say after the scenic bus ride, nursing home staff thought everyone was off the bus. The bus driver insists it was an accident. The district attorney will decide if charges will be filed against the bus driver.  At present, the death is being investigated as an unattended death.

Brookdale released the following statement to KJRH:

"We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to our resident’s family, as this loss is felt throughout our community. We are saddened by the situation, and the community’s leadership is supporting our residents and associates during this time.

We are working closely with local police and authorities on the investigation, and requests for additional information should be directed to them."

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.