12th Victim Dies From Hollywood Nursing Home Tragedy

HOLLYWOOD, FL — A 12th resident has died from the sweltering Hollywood, Florida nursing home that lost power during Hurricane Irma. Some 158 patients were evacuated from the facility, many on stretchers or in wheelchairs in the days following the storm. Hollywood police identified the latest victim as 57-year-old Dolores Biamonte, the youngest to die thus far.

"The patient died on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017," Hollywood police confirmed on Friday. "The Hollywood Police Department is treating all deaths from this facility as part of the criminal investigation, until otherwise advised by the Broward County Office of Medical Examiner and Trauma Services."

The facility staff dialed 9-1-1 on Sept. 12. By the next morning, rescue officials realized the situation at the center had significantly deteriorated. It operated for days without air-conditioning and the rooms became stiflingly hot. (For more information on the Hollywood nursing home deaths and other Aventura-area stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

The criminal investigation is focusing on what went wrong and who, if anyone, was to blame. Florida Sen. Bill Nelson on Friday called for a Senate committee investigation into the state’s certification process of the facility and the emergency preparedness plans at similar facilities.

Hollywood police appealed to family members of evacuated residents to get in touch with investigators at 954.967.4411 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At other times family members can call 954.967.4435.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott ordered state health officials and the Department of Elder Affairs to issue emergency rules to "keep Floridians safe in healthcare facilities during emergencies." He said he would "aggressively fight" to codify the requirement into law during the 2018 legislative session.

Here is the complete list of the 12 victims:

1. Carolyn Eatherly, DOB 8-13-39
2. Gail Nova, DOB 2-22-46
3. Estella Hendricks, DOB1-4-46
4. Bobby Owens, DOB 5-16-33
5. Miguel Franco, DOB 9-5-25
6. Manuel Mendieta, DOB 8-26-21
7. Albertina Vega, DOB 10-10-17
8. Betty Hibbard, DOB 1-11-33
9. Carlos Canal, DOB 11-4-23
10. Martha Murray, DOB 1-10-23
11. Alice Thomas, DOB 2-27-23
12. Dolores Biamonte, DOB 2-25-60

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Hollywood Police Chief Tomas Sanchez addresses reporters. Photo by Hollywood Police Department.