MA Coronavirus: AG Healey Investigating Veterans' Home Deaths

HOLYOKE, MA — Attorney General Maura Healey has opened an investigation into the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke after 22 veteran residents died after contracting the new coronavirus.

Healey announced the investigation on Twitter Wednesday. She said her office opened the investigation to find out what went wrong and determine if legal action was warranted.

"My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones under these tragic circumstances," Healey tweeted.

Gov. Charlie Baker in a news conference Wednesday said he was "appalled" by the number of deaths at the Holyoke facility. He expressed dissappointment and said state officials were quick to act once they were made aware of the situation.

Patch has reached out to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, which oversees the Soldiers' Home. We will update if we hear back.

Deaths at nursing homes, soldiers' homes and assisted living centers across the state have seen a spike in COVID-19-related deaths.

At a nursing home in Newton, 5 residents died after contracting the virus. Deaths were also reported at a soldiers' home in Chelsea and a nursing home in Wilmington. These deaths highlight an increasing struggle among vulnerable populations who are older or have underlying health conditions and live in close proximity.

Related Coverage:

• Wilmington Coronavirus: 7 AdviniaCare Residents Die, 84 Cases
• Newton Assisted Living Home: 5 Coronavirus Deaths, 46 Infected
• Veterans' Homes Coronavirus Deaths: 22 In Holyoke, 3 In Chelsea