Sun City, AZ – A woman in Arizona says she was left horrified after finding her 75-year-old uncle’s decomposed body inside his room at a Sun City assisted living facility, claiming staff members failed to check on him for at least four days. The disturbing incident has raised serious questions about elder care oversight and accountability in senior living facilities.
The Incident: A Shocking Discovery in an Assisted Living Facility
Angela Boorn, who described her uncle Gerald McClellan as “like a second father,” said she made the grim discovery on October 16 inside his room at LifeStream at Sun City, an assisted living facility about 16 miles northwest of Phoenix.
Boorn said she routinely visited her uncle and would announce her arrival by calling out, “Uncle, I’m here.” This time, however, she was met with silence.
“It looked like a skeleton in a chair,” Boorn told reporters. “The face — his eyes were hollowed out.”
Authorities later confirmed that McClellan had been dead for at least three to four days before being found. His body was reportedly sitting upright in a chair when Boorn entered the room.
“I just remember running out of the room and running to the front desk,” she said. “I asked them, ‘When was the last time you checked on him?’”
Investigation and Facility Oversight Concerns
The facility’s executive director told Boorn that no staff member had checked on McClellan since at least the prior weekend, suggesting that several daily wellness protocols had been ignored.
Boorn said that residents are required to press a button each morning to indicate they are awake and well. If a resident fails to do so, staff are expected to call or physically check on them by 10 a.m.
“He didn’t push the button; they tried to call him, didn’t get a hold of him, and they still did not go check on him,” Boorn explained. “It wasn’t one day, it wasn’t two days, it wasn’t three days, it was four.”
McClellan’s body was only discovered when Boorn visited days later, paying a visit she thought would be routine but instead turned into a scene of horror and disbelief.
Family Reaction and Emotional Impact
Boorn said she moved her uncle into LifeStream in January 2024, shortly after the death of his wife. She kept her promise to her late aunt to take care of him, paying roughly $1,700 per month for his stay at the facility.
Her trust in the system was shattered when she realized the safety measures meant to protect her uncle had failed.
“Nobody should have to see that. It didn’t even look like a person because he had been there for so long,” Boorn said. “People who have family in there — check on your family member, because clearly they’re not doing it.”
Boorn said she shared her story publicly to warn others with relatives in assisted living centers to monitor the quality of care closely.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Boorn plans to pursue legal action against LifeStream at Sun City.
Facility Response and Official Statement
In response to media inquiries, LifeStream at Sun City issued a public statement expressing sympathy but offering limited details about what happened.
“LifeStream at Sun City is deeply saddened by the passing of one of our residents,” the facility said. “Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to their family and loved ones during this difficult time. We extend our sincere gratitude to emergency responders for their compassion, professionalism, and support.”
Officials have not confirmed whether state inspectors or law enforcement are investigating the incident, but elder care advocates say this case highlights the urgent need for stricter compliance checks and monitoring in senior care homes.
Background Context: Failures in Elder Care Monitoring
Across the U.S., assisted living facilities are legally required to conduct regular wellness checks and maintain accurate care documentation for each resident. In many states, failing to perform these checks can result in civil penalties or license revocation.
Advocacy groups like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) emphasize that family members play a critical role in ensuring accountability. Frequent visits, questions about care procedures, and reviewing safety logs can prevent negligence from going unnoticed.
“Assisted living care should mean dignity and safety,” an NCOA spokesperson said. “When oversight fails, families are often the first — and only — line of defense.”
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
While no formal charges have been filed, Boorn’s discovery has prompted public scrutiny of LifeStream’s operations. State officials may launch a compliance audit to determine whether care policies were breached.
Boorn has said her focus remains on honoring her uncle’s memory and ensuring that other families don’t suffer the same heartbreak.
“He trusted them. I trusted them,” she said. “I just never thought this could happen.”
Conclusion
The death of Gerald McClellan has raised difficult questions about elder care neglect and facility accountability. As investigations continue, the heartbreaking case serves as a reminder that families must remain vigilant — and that the systems meant to protect the elderly can fail without constant oversight.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
