Family members demand answers after woman dies at care center in Burke County

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Family members want answers after a loved one died at a care center for people with disabilities.

The death happened at J. Iverson Riddle Development Center in Morganton, which has faced allegations of neglect in recent years.

Tammy Faye Huffman was supposed to be supervised at all times after surgery on her eyes, family members said.

Huffman’s family, including her father, visited the patient hours before her death. They said she was fine at the time.

Burke County Emergency Services responded to the Ash Cottage at the center on June 12 while workers performed CPR on Huffman.

The sprawling campus employs nearly 1,000 people and provides 24-hour support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Family members said Huffman had been there for much of her adult life.

WEATHER ALERT

Cpt. Brad Browning, Burke Emergency Services

“The report that we got was that the patient had been found submerged in a bathtub of water,” said Capt. Brad Browning, Burke County Emergency Services. “And that they had taken her out and started CPR immediately.”

Browning said that the Broughton Police Department was called to the cottage to investigate.

The state Department of Health and Human Services released a statement that reads in part: “We are saddened by the unexpected passing of a resident at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center. As there would be for any unexpected death, there is a full investigation underway at this facility. The investigation is ongoing and any necessary corrective actions will be taken.”

More than a dozen employees from J. Iverson Riddle went to Huffman’s funeral last week in Wilkes County.

Morganton facility making changes to address coronavirus concerns Morganton facility making changes to address coronavirus concerns

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