Family Files Claim Against Iowa in Man’s Death

The family of an Iowa man who died at a mental health institution has filed a claim against the state.

Cleojean Olson, sister of Richard Meredith, says she recently filed the claim for $1.8 million through the State Appeal Board. If it is rejected, the family can file a lawsuit.

The Des Moines Register reports Meredith was 81 when he was a patient at Clarinda Mental Health Institute in southwest Iowa last August. State records show staff gave him a peanut butter sandwich despite orders that specified he be given pureed food.

Meredith was later found slumped over and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Meredith’s family says state officials failed to disclose the circumstances of his death until the case gained media attention.