Kaelen LaChica was 27 years old. He was someone’s son. He was fighting to recover. And according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his family, he was discharged from an Arizona hospital and left on a Phoenix sidewalk in triple-digit heat.

His parents say he was transferred to Abrazo Health Arrowhead in Glendale while experiencing serious medical issues. The lawsuit alleges that on August 13, 2025, he was placed in an Uber and transported not to his home — which was listed in his records — but to an address outside a homeless shelter in downtown Phoenix. Hours later, he was found collapsed on the sidewalk and later pronounced dead.

No family should have to wonder how a loved one in medical crisis ended up alone on the street.

This petition is not about rushing to judgment. It is about demanding answers, transparency, and stronger protections for vulnerable patients across Arizona. When someone is discharged from a hospital — especially someone alleged to be medically fragile or cognitively impaired — there must be clear safeguards to ensure they are released to a safe, verified location.

We call on the Arizona Department of Health Services to conduct a full, independent investigation into this case. We urge the Arizona Legislature and Governor to review and strengthen hospital discharge laws to ensure safe placement and clear accountability. We ask Abrazo Health leadership to provide transparency about their discharge policies and procedures.

Justice for Kaelen means making sure no other family experiences this kind of loss.

Arizona can do better. Phoenix can do better. Hospitals must do better.

Demand answers. Demand accountability. Protect vulnerable patients.

Sign to stand with Kaelen’s family and call for reform now.