A Connecticut family is suing Bridgeport Hospital and its affiliated medical groups, alleging negligence led to the death of their 26-year-old son, dental student Conor Hylton, who died in the ICU on August 15, 2024. The lawsuit contends that a physician was directing Hylton's care remotely via a video screen from 12 miles away during his final hours, a situation described by his father as "complete chaos."
According to the complaint, Hylton, who had a history of alcohol abuse and was being monitored for withdrawal symptoms, began to deteriorate overnight. His father, Bill Hylton, recounted in the lawsuit that automated chest compressions were being administered while a doctor communicated instructions via a television screen on the wall. The lawsuit further alleges that during this critical period, nurses administered an overdose of the sedative Precedex, along with other drugs.
"Conor was given an overdose of Precedex after being given a cocktail of other consciousness-altering drugs," stated Joel Faxon, the family's lawyer. "So not only was he decompensating and not monitored or seen by a doctor in the ICU, a drug that was given off-label or in violation of the protocol would have the potential to accelerate your risk of airway loss, breathing issues and other consequences."
The family's suit also claims that another physician, Che Damon Ward, who was reportedly the only medical professional involved in Hylton's care who knew how to clear airways, was delayed by 21 minutes in reaching the hospital after getting lost en route. Hylton died in the ICU after aspirating his own vomit, a situation his family believes could have been prevented had a physician been present.
Bill and Betsy Hylton, both dental practitioners themselves, had taken their son to Bridgeport Hospital on August 14, 2024, after he began experiencing severe vomiting and difficulty keeping food down. They stayed with him for approximately eight hours before leaving that evening, believing he was stable and only required rehydration overnight. They received a distressing call at 4:45 a.m. the next day informing them that their son was in the ICU and undergoing aggressive CPR.
Conor Hylton was a student at the UConn School of Dental Medicine and had previously studied at the University of Connecticut for his undergraduate degree. His obituary notes his achievements as a student athlete and his aspiration to become a root canal specialist.
"We thought it might be quicker," Bill Hylton said of choosing the hospital. "We thought he would be better monitored. We thought he would be better cared for."
Yale New Haven Health, which operates Bridgeport Hospital, stated that the organization prioritizes providing safe, high-quality care and is committed to reviewing and improving patient safety practices. Due to the ongoing litigation, the health system declined to comment on the specific allegations but affirmed it would address the claims in the appropriate legal forum. The lawsuit seeks financial and emotional damages for the family.