Woman Dies from Heat Stroke in Apartment, Family Sues Landlord
SACRAMENTO, CA (April 27, 2024) — A malfunctioning heating system that couldn’t be turned off led to 74-year-old Sacramento resident Marione Okiku dying from heat stroke.
The tragedy occurred on May 22, 2023, at her River Park residence. According to the Sacramento County Coroner’s report, the furnace in her apartment was in operation, but the key required to deactivate it was broken, exposing Okiku to excessive heat over several days.
In response, Okiku’s sister, Hazel Castellano, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Carlson Drive Apartments LLC, the property’s San Jose-based owner. The lawsuit claims that despite multiple requests, the landlord failed to address the defective heater, which directly contributed to Okiku’s untimely death.
This apartment death from heatstroke case highlights the risks elderly individuals face during heat waves and raises questions about the responsibilities of landlords in ensuring the safety of their tenants.
Okiku’s death is one of several heat-related fatalities in Sacramento in recent years, underscoring the deadly consequences of unaddressed property maintenance issues.
If you or someone you know has suffered due to negligence similar to what Marione Okiku experienced, it is crucial to seek expert legal help. Contact RTM Law Firm for a consultation to explore your rights and potential claims. Our team of skilled California personal injury lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve in cases of wrongful death and landlord negligence.
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