Problem Solvers: Family of grandmother who died from heat exposure at Aspen Ridge Memory Care sues ownership for $17 million

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Nearly a year after Celia Hess died from heat exposure on a scorching hot day in August of 2024, her family is suing Frontier Seniors Living who once owned Aspen Ridge Memory Care in Bend, for 17 million dollars in damage.

According to a Facebook post, Areté took over management of Aspen Ridge Memory Care in February of 2025.

KTVZ News started a 3-part investigation when Celia Hess died on a blazing hot day last August. Authorities say Hess, who suffered from Alzheimer's, was left in the sun for hours. She was wearing heavy fleece and long pants at the time. Temperatures that day reached nearly 100 degrees.

Now, KTVZ has learned her daughter is suing Frontier Senior Living, who owns Aspen Ridge Memory Care in Bend. The family seeks $17 million.

During the course of KTVZ's investigation, we spoke with more than a dozen current and former employees. Nearly all blasted the facility and its ownership, "Almost the entire management staff just got rid of us. It was a systematic eradication of an incomplete management staff that knew the extent and duration of these issues," the former Sales Director Diona Browning said.

This is not the first time a family is blaming Aspen Ridge Memory Care for a death.

In 2024, KTVZ News spoke with Melissa Carlton who's mother died last at the facility due to health conditions, "She wasn't getting showers as often as I was told or promised," Carlton said. “They talked about a lot of activities and different services that were provided. And then actually when my mom was there, those services weren't always able to be provided, basically based on staffing issues.”

To hear all three of our in-depth Problem Solver reports, head over to KTVZ+. You'll hear more from the victim's family and former employees. Just download the free KTVZ+ app for your smart TV.