Autopsy and Justice for Sammy Backmon-Rodriguez
Donation protected
On the night of July 4th, 2019 my nephew Sammy Rodriguez was almost taken away from us. He was walking home from the train after celebrating the holiday with friends and was shot in the back of the head 15 ft from his door. The police have yet to apprehend the shooter. Samuel's family and friends are highly upset with the lack of progress in obtaining justice for my boy who was an innocent victim of senseless gun violence. He didn't deserve this, no-one does.
Sammy was in a medically induced coma for close to a month. It feels like it was several. As he slowly regained consciousness it became clear that he would face some difficulties but I am still amazed by the speed in which he progressed both physically and mentally. Over the next year with his family's love and his mom at his side daily, being his advocate Sammy stayed determined and focused on his recovery. He was close to walking independently and his speech and ability to communicate clearly were close to perfect. He was excited to go home and resume his new normal life. Anyone who met our brave young man after the shooting might not be able to imagine he'd suffered a traumatic brain injury.
During the onset of the COVID 19 Pandemic Samuel's physical therapy slowed down and he was no longer allowed his regular visits from loved ones nor have his mom physically present to ensure he received the proper treatment and care from nursing home staff. His close family was always concerned for his well being and safety especially after his falling from bed without proper safety precautions on his first night in the facility. Sammy's mom wasn't notified of the incident until close to 3 hrs after staff claimed he was "found" on the floor after an unknown amount of time. When asked questions about what the facility's procedures were on falls and similar situations Sammy's mom was given inconsistent and unclear answers from various staff. His mother asked to speak with my nephew and was told he was sleeping. Sammy's mom didn't wait to ask why a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) patient whom the staff was unfamiliar with wasn't immediately transported to the nearest hospital emergency room. She went to the facility to speak with her son face to face. She decided he needed to go to the emergency room. Sammy's mom considered having him transferred to another facility but the choices are extremely limited. I've lived in the Bronx and I know there are a high and growing number of TBI patients especially young ones who are surviving longer periods of time like my nephew was supposed to. Surprisingly there are only 2 facilities in all of NYC that offer TBI rehabilitation. They are both within a nursing home setting, which is usually a horrible fit for young people regaining their independence and adjusting to the new them. Sammy's mom reluctantly agreed to have Sammy transferred back to the nursing facility he'd come from. Sammy's mom expressed her disappointment with the way his very FIRST night in the facility. She decided she and Sammy would stick it out. They were so strong. Sammy's mom ensured his safety and comfort as best she could over the next few months, spending as much time as possible in and around the facility.
Sammy's mom Nicole felt especially powerless and unable to protect her son during COVID 19 as did many families with loved ones confined to assisted living/nursing facilities. Without a family presence, it's difficult to hold those who abuse their power accountable. Sammy frequently complained to family and friends about frequent intentional negligence and emotional abuse suffered by himself and other residents at the hands of those entrusted with their care. In an effort to avoid further retaliation his mom opted to place complaints internally as opposed to calling the state. Rather than disciplinary action being taken against the guilty employees, they would simply be reassigned to other residents - sometimes in the same room. His mother has years of experience working with individuals and is hyper-sensitive to abuse and neglect as she has witnessed far too many instances over the years. She often advocated for other residents as well as Sammy. Many of the residents are familiar with her and sought her out for assistance when they were unable to obtain it from the staff. Despite all of the hardships and isolation from loved ones during COVID 19 Sammy always remained positive, had a big smile, and was a constant source of laughter and joy to those around him. He expressed his gratitude for his family helping him through but it was us who remain greatful to God for blessing us for over a year with Sammy's kind, strong, and miraculous presence.
As positive COVID 19 test results and deaths began to decrease Sammy was excited to get back on track with the second part of the surgery to replace the portion of his skull removed after the shooting. We were also excited to see him at all of his pre-op appointments. Due to several factors from transportation issues, to wrong address' the surgery was postponed /rescheduled multiple times. Sammy became discouraged but his mom and family reassured him it was ok to wait. This way we would be able to continue seeing him in person and not from outside the lobby of the nursing home through the glass. What should have been a fairly routine procedure from beginning to end turned out to be everything but. Whenever we would see Sammy at his pre-op appointments we tried to make them last as long as possible, taking him to eat outside or for walks around the block. I know that my family and myself will cherish those times spent with Sammy, they brang him hope and comfort during what must have been a very lonely time. A few weeks prior to surgery at one of these appointments, his mother and I noticed that Sammy's entire body was swollen. His mom immediately notified the CNA that accompanied Sammy as well as nursing staff at the nursing home. We are still not sure when or if it was ever addressed. Sammy's mom says that he remained swollen like this at all the way up until the morning of the surgery. In hindsight this was just one of many small factors that should have been resolved prior to the surgery date; however, my family and I are not medical professionals. Sammy's mom remained unsure through the end even after surgery; she expressed concern about changes in Sammy's speech and recognition as well as other things she was concerned about with Sammy immediately and in the days after the surgery.
When the hospital social work attempted to discharge Sammy just 4 days after surgery, Sammy's mom refused because she didn't feel he was ready. She was uncomfortable with his condition and ability to communicate with her via cell phone which would be their only source of communication once he left the hospital. She knew given Sammy's history of complaints at the nursing home this period would be difficult. Prior to the surgery, Sammy was very capable of advocating for himself and expressing his displeasure with treatment to nursing home staff and they didn't like it. I can only imagine the response from the same staff when my nephew returned to the facility in such a vulnerable state. For that reason, his mom was very clear with hospital social workers about not sending her son there. At one point she yelled at a supervisor these exact words: "If you send him back there, they will kill my son". After just 1 day the hospital social work department pushed forward with his discharge without having his mother sign any discharge documents. They didn't communicate clearly as to the time or date that he would be discharged. Sammy was sent from the hospital to the nursing home alone, without his mother's consent or knowledge and without his belongings. His mother brang Sammy a change of clothes and dinner to the hospital the night he was discharged. She was not allowed re-entry to the building but this was ultimately how she found out that he was going to be leaving that day. Again the time was never specified and she agreed to meet Sammy and the ambulance back at the nursing home where she'd hoped to see her son again prior to him being in quarantine at the nursing home for 14 days which she was told was standard after hospital discharge post-COVID 19. When she arrived at the nursing home she was told that she was misunderstood and that Sammy was in bed already and she wouldn't be able to see him even through the lobby window. I'm sure she never imagined that would've been the last time she saw her son alive. The comment made by Nicole about her son being killed by the nursing home now haunts us all as not even 4 days later he was dead.
In the days after Sammys' premature passing, his mother continues to discover different details that she should've had knowledge of prior to this tragic loss. From the police, hospital, and nursing home alike. This entire situation is so very unfortunate and we believe it's all the little things and NOT so little areas where the ball was dropped in my nephew's care that could've potentially saved his life. We NEED JUSTICE and are determined to uncover all of the unknowns in this case. I started this Go Fund Me page in Honor of Samuel and also with the hope that no one else suffers needlessly or dies at the hands of the very ones paid and trusted with our healthcare.
We would also like to thank any and everyone reading this story in its entirety and sharing. We don't want Sammy's death and mistreatment just swept under the rug. We appreciate all the kind words, thoughts, gestures, and prayers given on our behalf. Due to the COVID - 19 pandemic, there is a backlog of almost 4 months with the medical examiner's office, we can't wait that long for an autopsy report to find out what happened to my nephew. With your help, we want to swiftly bring Sammy justice and attention to the many areas we believe lead to my nephew's passing and again save any more of our loved ones from this. This includes shining a light on hospitals, nursing homes, their policies, procedures, staff training and even the police in the way they dismissed this case and so many others based on preconceived and false notions. Sammy's death was very unexpected. With the promising year he had, we thought he would live a long and productive life, so all his final expenses have been surprising to say the least. The funds raised are being used for Sammy's celebration of life, burial, private autopsy, and the previously stated purposes only.
Thank You All, Sincerely,
BackmonFamily
Rodriguez Family
All Sammy's Loved Ones
LET'S HELP MAKE THE WORLD HUMAN AGAIN
"My boy has been victimized by a random shooting and survived to then be let down by the people that are supposed to keep you alive."
Alex Rodriguez
Sammy was in a medically induced coma for close to a month. It feels like it was several. As he slowly regained consciousness it became clear that he would face some difficulties but I am still amazed by the speed in which he progressed both physically and mentally. Over the next year with his family's love and his mom at his side daily, being his advocate Sammy stayed determined and focused on his recovery. He was close to walking independently and his speech and ability to communicate clearly were close to perfect. He was excited to go home and resume his new normal life. Anyone who met our brave young man after the shooting might not be able to imagine he'd suffered a traumatic brain injury.
During the onset of the COVID 19 Pandemic Samuel's physical therapy slowed down and he was no longer allowed his regular visits from loved ones nor have his mom physically present to ensure he received the proper treatment and care from nursing home staff. His close family was always concerned for his well being and safety especially after his falling from bed without proper safety precautions on his first night in the facility. Sammy's mom wasn't notified of the incident until close to 3 hrs after staff claimed he was "found" on the floor after an unknown amount of time. When asked questions about what the facility's procedures were on falls and similar situations Sammy's mom was given inconsistent and unclear answers from various staff. His mother asked to speak with my nephew and was told he was sleeping. Sammy's mom didn't wait to ask why a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) patient whom the staff was unfamiliar with wasn't immediately transported to the nearest hospital emergency room. She went to the facility to speak with her son face to face. She decided he needed to go to the emergency room. Sammy's mom considered having him transferred to another facility but the choices are extremely limited. I've lived in the Bronx and I know there are a high and growing number of TBI patients especially young ones who are surviving longer periods of time like my nephew was supposed to. Surprisingly there are only 2 facilities in all of NYC that offer TBI rehabilitation. They are both within a nursing home setting, which is usually a horrible fit for young people regaining their independence and adjusting to the new them. Sammy's mom reluctantly agreed to have Sammy transferred back to the nursing facility he'd come from. Sammy's mom expressed her disappointment with the way his very FIRST night in the facility. She decided she and Sammy would stick it out. They were so strong. Sammy's mom ensured his safety and comfort as best she could over the next few months, spending as much time as possible in and around the facility.
Sammy's mom Nicole felt especially powerless and unable to protect her son during COVID 19 as did many families with loved ones confined to assisted living/nursing facilities. Without a family presence, it's difficult to hold those who abuse their power accountable. Sammy frequently complained to family and friends about frequent intentional negligence and emotional abuse suffered by himself and other residents at the hands of those entrusted with their care. In an effort to avoid further retaliation his mom opted to place complaints internally as opposed to calling the state. Rather than disciplinary action being taken against the guilty employees, they would simply be reassigned to other residents - sometimes in the same room. His mother has years of experience working with individuals and is hyper-sensitive to abuse and neglect as she has witnessed far too many instances over the years. She often advocated for other residents as well as Sammy. Many of the residents are familiar with her and sought her out for assistance when they were unable to obtain it from the staff. Despite all of the hardships and isolation from loved ones during COVID 19 Sammy always remained positive, had a big smile, and was a constant source of laughter and joy to those around him. He expressed his gratitude for his family helping him through but it was us who remain greatful to God for blessing us for over a year with Sammy's kind, strong, and miraculous presence.
As positive COVID 19 test results and deaths began to decrease Sammy was excited to get back on track with the second part of the surgery to replace the portion of his skull removed after the shooting. We were also excited to see him at all of his pre-op appointments. Due to several factors from transportation issues, to wrong address' the surgery was postponed /rescheduled multiple times. Sammy became discouraged but his mom and family reassured him it was ok to wait. This way we would be able to continue seeing him in person and not from outside the lobby of the nursing home through the glass. What should have been a fairly routine procedure from beginning to end turned out to be everything but. Whenever we would see Sammy at his pre-op appointments we tried to make them last as long as possible, taking him to eat outside or for walks around the block. I know that my family and myself will cherish those times spent with Sammy, they brang him hope and comfort during what must have been a very lonely time. A few weeks prior to surgery at one of these appointments, his mother and I noticed that Sammy's entire body was swollen. His mom immediately notified the CNA that accompanied Sammy as well as nursing staff at the nursing home. We are still not sure when or if it was ever addressed. Sammy's mom says that he remained swollen like this at all the way up until the morning of the surgery. In hindsight this was just one of many small factors that should have been resolved prior to the surgery date; however, my family and I are not medical professionals. Sammy's mom remained unsure through the end even after surgery; she expressed concern about changes in Sammy's speech and recognition as well as other things she was concerned about with Sammy immediately and in the days after the surgery.
When the hospital social work attempted to discharge Sammy just 4 days after surgery, Sammy's mom refused because she didn't feel he was ready. She was uncomfortable with his condition and ability to communicate with her via cell phone which would be their only source of communication once he left the hospital. She knew given Sammy's history of complaints at the nursing home this period would be difficult. Prior to the surgery, Sammy was very capable of advocating for himself and expressing his displeasure with treatment to nursing home staff and they didn't like it. I can only imagine the response from the same staff when my nephew returned to the facility in such a vulnerable state. For that reason, his mom was very clear with hospital social workers about not sending her son there. At one point she yelled at a supervisor these exact words: "If you send him back there, they will kill my son". After just 1 day the hospital social work department pushed forward with his discharge without having his mother sign any discharge documents. They didn't communicate clearly as to the time or date that he would be discharged. Sammy was sent from the hospital to the nursing home alone, without his mother's consent or knowledge and without his belongings. His mother brang Sammy a change of clothes and dinner to the hospital the night he was discharged. She was not allowed re-entry to the building but this was ultimately how she found out that he was going to be leaving that day. Again the time was never specified and she agreed to meet Sammy and the ambulance back at the nursing home where she'd hoped to see her son again prior to him being in quarantine at the nursing home for 14 days which she was told was standard after hospital discharge post-COVID 19. When she arrived at the nursing home she was told that she was misunderstood and that Sammy was in bed already and she wouldn't be able to see him even through the lobby window. I'm sure she never imagined that would've been the last time she saw her son alive. The comment made by Nicole about her son being killed by the nursing home now haunts us all as not even 4 days later he was dead.
In the days after Sammys' premature passing, his mother continues to discover different details that she should've had knowledge of prior to this tragic loss. From the police, hospital, and nursing home alike. This entire situation is so very unfortunate and we believe it's all the little things and NOT so little areas where the ball was dropped in my nephew's care that could've potentially saved his life. We NEED JUSTICE and are determined to uncover all of the unknowns in this case. I started this Go Fund Me page in Honor of Samuel and also with the hope that no one else suffers needlessly or dies at the hands of the very ones paid and trusted with our healthcare.
We would also like to thank any and everyone reading this story in its entirety and sharing. We don't want Sammy's death and mistreatment just swept under the rug. We appreciate all the kind words, thoughts, gestures, and prayers given on our behalf. Due to the COVID - 19 pandemic, there is a backlog of almost 4 months with the medical examiner's office, we can't wait that long for an autopsy report to find out what happened to my nephew. With your help, we want to swiftly bring Sammy justice and attention to the many areas we believe lead to my nephew's passing and again save any more of our loved ones from this. This includes shining a light on hospitals, nursing homes, their policies, procedures, staff training and even the police in the way they dismissed this case and so many others based on preconceived and false notions. Sammy's death was very unexpected. With the promising year he had, we thought he would live a long and productive life, so all his final expenses have been surprising to say the least. The funds raised are being used for Sammy's celebration of life, burial, private autopsy, and the previously stated purposes only.
Thank You All, Sincerely,
BackmonFamily
Rodriguez Family
All Sammy's Loved Ones
LET'S HELP MAKE THE WORLD HUMAN AGAIN
"My boy has been victimized by a random shooting and survived to then be let down by the people that are supposed to keep you alive."
Alex Rodriguez
Organizer and beneficiary
Alex Rodriguez
Organizer
Parking, NY
Nicole Backmon
Beneficiary