Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Rochester Toddler’s Death Dismissed

Olmsted(KROC-AM News) - A wrongful death lawsuit connected to the death of a 3-year-old Rochester boy has been dismissed.

The mother of D-Angelo Pitchford filed a lawsuit against Olmsted Medical Center and two doctors after the child died in February 2022. Court documents indicate the boy’s father had brought him to the OMC Emergency Room on the night of February 13, 2022, but took the child home against medical advice, which included a warning that the 3-year-old could die.

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The lawsuit against OMC argued the emergency room doctor and staff were negligent in his care and in allowing the father to leave the hospital despite the boy’s dire condition. Court documents associated with the case indicate the child died from severe dehydration and complications stemming from a congenital hernia that can cause intestinal blockages.

Details of the Emergency Room Visit

The incident also resulted in criminal charges against the boy’s father. Olmsted County court records show that 46-year-old Darius Pitchford faces second-degree manslaughter and felony neglect charges in connection with his son’s death. The charges say Pitchford removed the child from the OMC Emergency Department against medical advice in the early morning hours of February 14, 2022. Approximately four hours later, Rochester police responded to the family’s home after the child’s mother found him dead.

The criminal complaint cites medical records showing that, after Pitchford brought his son to the ER the previous night, he initially refused to allow providers to draw blood for testing. He later relented, and the tests revealed a high white blood cell count, “dangerous electrolyte problems that could affect his heart,” and signs of kidney failure.

According to the court documents, the doctor treating D-Angelo ordered X-rays, but before they could be performed, Pitchford took his son home after signing discharge paperwork. The forms stated the child was leaving against medical advice and included a note that read, “Return to the ER as soon as possible. Your child may die.” The complaint also indicates that witnesses told investigators Pitchford maintained he was being lied to by ER staff.

His criminal case is still pending, with the next court hearing scheduled for April.

Appeal Filed With Minnesota Court of Appeals

Court filings connected to the wrongful death lawsuit indicate that the decision to dismiss the case has been appealed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals.