Cause of Death ‘Pending Further Studies’ in Windsor Locks Nursing Home Case

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — New surveillance video has established that Margaret “Peggy” Healey left Bickford Health Care Center hours before she was discovered outside in the snow, significantly expanding the timeline in the ongoing investigation.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has listed the cause of death as “Pending Further Studies” and the manner of death as “Pending Investigation.”

Windsor Locks police now say Healey exited the building at approximately 1:50 a.m. on Feb. 8, according to video footage reviewed by detectives.

She was not found by staff until nearly 3 hours and 17 minutes later.

During a press briefing, Lt. Paul Cherniack of the Windsor Locks Police Department said detectives were able to establish both a timeline and Healey’s direction of travel from the facility.

Investigators determined that Healey exited through an employee entrance located at the rear of the building. Police said that door is not equipped with a “wander guard” alert system but is designed to remain closed and locked.

A keypad next to the door requires a code for entry. However, investigators learned that the door is often left propped open and that the access code is printed near the keypad.

Police previously confirmed that 911 was not called until 6:23 a.m. Healey was pronounced dead at 6:46 a.m.

Healey, 93, had Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and was known to wander, police said. She had been wearing a monitoring device intended to alert staff if she exited through designated doors. Detectives have taken custody of that device and are reviewing whether it functioned properly.

Windsor Locks detectives and investigators from the Connecticut Department of Public Health continue to review surveillance footage, staff statements and facility procedures as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.

Healey, a former nun and longtime French teacher from Waterbury, died Sunday. Her death remains under investigation.