Austin, Texas, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Renaissance Austin Assisted Living Facility, along with its former Executive Director and Wellness Director, faces indictment for neglecting resident Cynthia Pierce during a severe winter storm. The 73-year-old was found in an unheated room amidst outage conditions, leading to her death from hypothermia. Investigations initiated by family complaints highlight significant accountability issues regarding care protocols in such facilities during emergencies.
Austin, Texas – A Travis County grand jury has indicted the Renaissance Austin Assisted Living Facility, its former Executive Director Mendi Ramsay, and Wellness Director Rochelle Alvarado for neglecting an elderly resident during the severe winter storm Uri in February 2021. The charges stem from the case of Cynthia Pierce, a 73-year-old resident who was found in an unheated room with open windows during the storm, which caused widespread power outages across Texas.
The indictment cites the offense of Injury to an Elderly Person due to the staff’s failure to promptly relocate Pierce to a warmer area after discovering her condition. Tragically, Pierce was later taken to a hospital, where she died from hypothermia. The grand jury asserts that the criminal negligence by the facility’s staff resulted in bodily injury to Pierce, with allegations that Ramsay and Alvarado authorized this negligent conduct in their official roles.
During the storm, the staff at the Renaissance Austin Assisted Living Facility reportedly did not notify the Texas Health and Human Services Commission about the power outage—an action that is also being scrutinized in the indictment. The case was initiated after a complaint was filed by Pierce’s family counsel in January 2024, prompting an investigation by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office in collaboration with the Austin Police Department.
In addressing the situation, Travis County District Attorney José Garza expressed condolences to Cynthia Pierce’s family and underscored the importance of accountability for assisted living facilities in ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents. Holly Ferguson, Pierce’s daughter, has expressed gratitude for the legal action taken, emphasizing that the facility misrepresented its care capabilities. She believes that the negligence directly led to her mother’s death and hopes this criminal case will bring about accountability and necessary operational changes at the facility.
Attorneys representing Ramsay and Alvarado claim that their clients cooperated fully with the investigation and argue that the unprecedented nature of the weather event contributed to this tragic situation. They maintain that no crime was committed during the storm.
The indictment and the ongoing investigation highlight the significant challenges that assisted living facilities face during extreme weather events and raises serious questions about the preparedness and operational protocols in place to protect vulnerable residents.
Background Context
The winter storm Uri occurred in February 2021, leading to severe power outages across Texas. The impact of the storm revealed systemic vulnerabilities in various sectors, including healthcare and assisted living facilities. The tragic case of Cynthia Pierce highlights the potential consequences of negligence in providing care for elderly and disabled residents during emergencies. This incident is now prompting discussions on regulatory oversight and the responsibilities of such institutions to safeguard their inhabitants effectively.
FAQ Section
What were the charges against the Renaissance Austin Assisted Living Facility?
The facility, along with its former Executive Director Mendi Ramsay and Wellness Director Rochelle Alvarado, were indicted on charges of Injury to an Elderly Person following the death of resident Cynthia Pierce during the winter storm Uri in 2021.
What happened to Cynthia Pierce during the storm?
Cynthia Pierce, aged 73, was found in an unheated room with open windows during the storm. Staff members failed to relocate her to a warmer area, resulting in her hospitalization and subsequent death from hypothermia.
What prompted the grand jury investigation?
A complaint was filed by Cynthia Pierce’s family counsel in January 2024, leading the Travis County District Attorney’s Office to collaborate with local authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
What is the significance of this case?
This case emphasizes the necessity for accountability in assisted living facilities, particularly concerning how they handle emergencies and the well-being of vulnerable residents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | February 17, 2021 |
| Facility Involved | Renaissance Austin Assisted Living Facility |
| Key Individuals Indicted | Mendi Ramsay, Rochelle Alvarado |
| Elderly Resident | Cynthia Pierce (73 years old) |
| Cause of Death | Hypothermia |
| Legal Charges | Injury to an Elderly Person |
| Investigation Start Date | January 2024 |
| Responsibility Failure | Failure to notify authorities, neglect of resident |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: Austin Assisted Living Facility Executives Indicted in 2021 Winter Storm Hypothermia Death
- Wikipedia: Renaissance Austin Assisted Living Facility
- KVUE: Austin Assisted Living Facility Charged in Resident Death During 2021 Winter Storm
- Google Search: Austin Winter Storm Assisted Living 2021
- Austin Chronicle: Austin Care Facility Indicted for Criminal Neglect in Hypothermia Death
- Google Scholar: Winter Storm Uri Impact on Assisted Living
- Statesman: Live Updates: Austin Texas Flood – Victims’ Death Toll and Survivors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hypothermia
- Big Country Homepage: Historic Travis Elementary Gets New Life as Affordable Senior Living Community
- Google News: Assisted Living Facility Negligence
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