State-health officials are investigating the circumstances that led to the Nov. 3 death of a Winston-Salem woman who fell from a third-floor window at an assisted living center.
L'Wella Ervin, 72, suffered injuries in the fall at the Forest Heights Senior Living Community at 2500 Polo Ridge Court, authorities said.
The incident occurred about 5:50 a.m. She was taken to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center where she died, said Lt. Joseph Ferrelli of the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Ervin, a retired Bellsouth employee, lived in a third-floor room, according to her obituary.
An autopsy showed that Ervin died of multiple injuries to her body, said Dr. Patrick Lantz, a Forsyth County medical examiner.
The N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation has interviewed the Forest Heights' staff, residents and visitors about the incident, said Jim Jones, a spokesman for the division.
Investigators want to learn how Ervin fell from the window.
"We are very concerned, and we want to ensure the safety of everyone in the building," Jones said.
Melinda Alexander, the executive director of Forest Heights Senior Living Community, could not be reached yesterday for comment. The complex is owned by Five Star Quality Care NC LLC of Newton, Mass.
Forest Heights has a state license to operate as an adult-care home with a capacity of 125 beds, according to a state document. Forest Heights has set aside 24 beds for residents with dementia.
The division's Adult Care Licensure Section gave Forest Heights a three-star rating and a score of 99 out of a possible 100 points, another document shows. State health officials last inspected Forest Heights in February.
Under state rules, windows in adult-care homes may be restricted to a 6-inch opening to prevent residents from escaping or committing suicide.
Jones said that rule is not a requirement because in some cases windows need to open wider than 6 inches to allow ventilation and for evacuations in case of fire.
jhinton@wsjournal.com
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