by Austin, TX – A tragic case has emerged from Austin, Texas, where a 73-year-old disabled woman named Cynthia Pierce was left to freeze to death in an unheated room with open windows during the historic Winter Storm Uri in February 2021. The negligence allegedly committed by staff at the Renaissance Austin Assisted Living Facility, coupled with high-level managerial authorization, has led to indictments against key personnel and the company itself.
The somber incident has brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of assisted living facilities, especially during emergencies, prompting legal action and public outcry regarding the care and safety of vulnerable elderly residents.
Negligence Amid Historic Winter Storm Uri
During Winter Storm Uri, which blanketed Texas in record snow and caused widespread power outages, Cynthia Pierce was found in an unheated room with the windows open at the Renaissance Austin Assisted Living Facility on February 17, 2021. Despite a warmer part of the facility being readily available, employees failed to promptly relocate her to safety.
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office indicted Executive Director Mendi Ramsay, Wellness Director Rochelle Alvarado, and Harvest Renaissance – Austin, LLC on charges of injury to an elderly person. The indictment contends that the facility’s staff not only neglected proper care but also failed to report the power outage to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, aggravating the situation.
“The staff’s conduct was authorized by high-level managerial agents, specifically Mendi Ramsay or Rochelle Alvarado, acting on behalf of Harvest Renaissance-Austin, LLC, within the scope of their official duties,” stated the district attorney’s office.
- Cynthia Pierce was elderly and disabled, a particularly vulnerable individual.
- She was left in an unheated room with windows open during record-low temperatures.
- Despite availability of warm areas, staff neglected to move her promptly.
- Facility failed to notify state health authorities about the outage.
- Pierce was later rushed to hospital but died from hypothermia.
Family Reactions and Legal Proceedings
Pierce’s family has been vocal about the deep hurt caused by the negligence. Her daughter, Holly Ferguson, condemned Harvest Renaissance for misrepresenting their ability to provide dignified care.
“Harvest misrepresented themselves as a licensed care facility, able to provide care rooted in dignity, safety, and compassion. Their misrepresentation and their gross negligence led directly to my Mom’s death,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson hopes legal proceedings will prompt the facility to enact permanent changes to prevent such horrors in the future.
In response, attorneys representing Ramsay and Alvarado have pled not guilty and assert no crime was committed by their clients. The company’s legal representative expressed condolences and affirmed cooperation with investigators.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the resident, and we will continue to work with local authorities,” said Harvest Renaissance-Austin’s attorney.
District Attorney’s Commitment to Justice
Travis County District Attorney José Garza has emphasized the importance of safeguarding vulnerable residents and holding accountable those responsible for criminal conduct related to their care.
“All families should know that when their loved ones reside in an assisted living facility, they will be safe. When employers and their employees engage in criminal conduct and expose vulnerable people to dangerous living conditions, this office will hold them accountable,” Garza said.
The District Attorney’s Office was alerted to the case only last year following a complaint by Pierce’s family, further highlighting concerns about oversight and timely investigation.
The Context of Winter Storm Uri’s Devastation
Winter Storm Uri was a historic meteorological event for Texas, bringing unprecedented snowfall and frigid temperatures to all 254 counties in the state. The storm led to massive power outages affecting millions, hazardous roadways, and emergency activations statewide.
- Record snowfall and ultra-low temperatures in February 2021.
- Power loss affected millions of Texans.
- Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for all counties.
- Warming centers and emergency personnel were mobilized.
Despite extreme conditions and efforts elsewhere, the failings at Renaissance Austin resulted in a preventable death, underscoring systemic challenges faced by assisted living facilities during crises.
Read Also: Los Angeles Teen Killed in Metro Bus Shooting; Family Demands Justice
What to Expect Moving Forward
The indictment marks a pivotal step toward accountability. Ms. Ramsay and Ms. Alvarado are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Concurrently, the Pierce family has filed a civil lawsuit against Harvest Renaissance – Austin, LLC seeking further redress.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and ethical care standards in facilities entrusted with vulnerable populations.
For more details on this case, visit the original report by Law&Crime here.
Have Your Say
What do you think about the responsibilities of assisted living facilities during extreme weather events? Have you or your loved ones experienced challenges in care during emergencies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
