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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Illinois woman with terminal illness fights for legal right to die
The Brief Debra Robertson, a Lombard woman with terminal cancer, has been advocating for the right to die with dignity. The Illinois General Assembly failed to legalize medical aid in dying during its spring session. Supporters say the bill would provide terminal patients with end-of-life options, while skeptics argue it could allow doctors to violate their oath to "do no harm." LOMBARD, Ill. - Lombard resident Debra Robertson has been fighting for the right to die on her own terms for the last three years. She's been advocating for a bill that was considered but ultimately not passed by state lawmakers, to allow her the option to stop her suffering. The backstory Robertson said she understands why that might be controversial, but she has one request: don't call it suicide. "I get very upset when people talk about this being assisted suicide," Robertson told FOX 32 Chicago. "I'm already dying. I want to die with dignity and I wanna die the way I wanna die." Robertson was diagnosed with an aggressive rare form of cancer in 2022, called neuro-endocrine carcinoma. She was given six months to live. "I think I was just in denial for a while because I couldn't believe that's where I was at, because the doctor said I was gonna die," she said. Three years and four debilitating rounds of treatment later, Robertson said she's out of options and fears she will suffer if not given the option to die via medication. "I know that my death is going to be painful based on the type of cancer I have," she said. Robertson said she's already expressed her wishes to her two children and grandchildren, and they've come to accept her decision. "At first they struggled because they said, 'Granny are you gonna die now? Are you gonna die today?'" Robertson said. "And I said no and I explain to them about what medical aid in dying is and what it means to me and other people, and now they're very supportive of it. They have some sort of a peace." Big picture view Illinois would become the 11th state in the nation to legalize medical aid in dying if the legislation passes. Last month it stalled in the Senate, after some Democrats joined all Republicans in opposition. The sponsor, State Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), said the debate was passionate, and lawmakers simply ran out of time. "These complex pieces of legislation need time to make sure we get them right," Gabel said. Under the bill, a patient would need to be diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live. They must be evaluated for mental health concerns and get verbal and written approval from two physicians, five days apart. And doctors who prescribe would be immune from any prosecution, unless they coerce a patient, in which case, they would face felony charges. Gabel said the bill is simply about giving terminal patients end-of-life options. "Just because you ask for the medicine doesn't mean you have to take it – 38% don't take it. What they tell me is it gives them peace of mind knowing they can," Gabel said. Downstate Republican Rep. Bill Hauter is also a physician. He said the medical community is split, but believes the bill would allow doctors to violate their Hippocratic oaths that state "first do no harm." "Medicine is a field of healing, taking care of patients and comforting them and trying to solve their issues and not to partake in the act of suicide," Hauter said. Gabel said she believes lawmakers will have the votes to pass the bill next year. Robertson realizes she might not be around to see it, but said she hopes to pave the way for others that are suffering. "I'm dying and I don't have any control over it. The only thing I could have control over is how I die if this was passed," she said. A representative from the Illinois State Medical Association said the organization took an official position to support the bill, but that they "remain a house divided," with physicians advocating passionately on both sides of the issue.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Tech exec found 'pulverized' in luxury high-rise stairwell died from fall, medical examiner says
The Cook County Medical Examiner in Illinois has revealed the cause of death of a Chicago woman found dead in the stairwell of her husband's luxury, high-rise condo in October 2024, but her manner of death remains undetermined. Caitlin Tracey, 36, died of "multiple injuries, fall from height" on Oct. 27, 2024, the medical examiner ruled. No one has been charged in connection with her death, as FOX 32 Chicago first reported. Court documents filed last year state that "based on the condition of the remains, Decedent's body fell approximately 24 floors before landing at the bottom of a stairwell." Her "body was pulverized and her foot was severed from her body," attorneys for the family wrote. Tracey's husband, Adam Beckerink, 46, was arrested in March on a fugitive charge stemming from a warrant in Michigan, where the well-known tax attorney was wanted on charges of domestic violence, resisting and obstructing and larceny, according to Fox 32. Police Hunt For 'Male Companion' Seen Fleeing Slain College Student's Apartment While Beckerink is not charged in connection with Tracey's death, his March arrest has highlighted a tumultuous past. An attorney representing Beckerink did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App The domestic incident stemmed from two 911 calls made last year in New Buffalo, Michigan, where Tracey and Beckerink lived during and before their six-month marriage, reporting domestic abuse and theft, according to FOX 32. Husband Of Nurse, Mom Of Three Found Dead At Bottom Of Staircase Went For Beer After Finding Body: Police Following her death in October 2024, police held Beckerink for 48 hours but ultimately released him. A legal battle later ensued between Tracey's parents and her husband. Follow The Fox True Crime Team On X Court records revealed that Tracey filed a petition for an order of protection against Beckerink in October 2023. The couple married on April 8, 2024 "in a private ceremony" that did not include their family members, court documents say. Judge Dumbfounded By Error At Site Of 'Suicide' Where Teacher Was Found Stabbed 20 Times Tracey's parents believe Beckerink "manipulated" Tracey "and purposefully isolated her from her family so that he could continue his campaign of abuse and terror unnoticed," attorneys wrote in court documents. Sign Up To Get The True Crime Newsletter "Plaintiffs have alleged that their daughter's partner, who may or may not be her husband, subjected her to ongoing domestic abuse and ultimately took her life," court records state. "Plaintiffs seek to have her remains sent to them to have a funeral and burial." Friend Who Heard Murder Confession Thought Furniture Heiress Would End Up Dead In Love Triangle A judge ultimately sided with Tracey's parents, allowing them to receive her remains and give her a funeral. Beckerink in March waived his right to an extradition hearing to face charges in Michigan. It is unclear where that case stands as of Wednesday. GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE True Crime Hub Fox News Digital reached out to Chicago police asking if they have any persons of interest in Tracey's death, but they did not comment, directing Fox News Digital to Beckerink's arrest page showing his fugitive charge. Tracey was chief people officer at Nousot, a data analytics article source: Tech exec found 'pulverized' in luxury high-rise stairwell died from fall, medical examiner says
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Critic of embattled Dolton, Illinois mayor sees business destroyed by ‘suspicious' fire: officials
An Illinois business belonging to a vocal critic of an embattled Democratic mayor went up in flames earlier this week in what is being investigated as a "suspicious" incident. "The fire is suspicious in nature," Dolton Deputy Fire Chief John Calhoun told WGN. "We do have the fire marshal out here currently with our [mutual aid] arson team." The fire began at approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday and was quickly elevated to a three-alarm response. While no one was injured, the building was completely destroyed, FOX 32 Chicago reported. A smaller fire was also reported at the same location last week, according to WGN. Man Charged With Murder After Blaze He Allegedly Set Kills Chicago Fire Captain The location was raided by the Illinois Secretary of State police last year as part of a stolen car investigation, according to WGN. Officials previously told the outlet that 10 of 50 vehicles parked on the property were involved in auto theft investigations, with the owner, Lawrence Gardner, reportedly claiming he uses the facility to rent parking spaces. Read On The Fox News App The Illinois Secretary of State and Dolton Fire Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. 'Super Mayor' Tiffany Henyard Skips Dolton Meetings As Controversial Tenure Nears Quiet End Gardner reportedly was a frequent critic of outgoing Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard. Gardner previously claimed he was being retaliated against by Henyard for not offering his support, according to WGN. Gardner did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Henyard, who critics have dubbed the "worst mayor in America," has been the subject of numerous allegations throughout the years. The self-described "super mayor" came under fire last month for failing to show up to four consecutive village board meetings after losing her bid for re-election in February. Feds Subpoena Dolton, Illinois Records Tied To Ousted 'Super Mayor' Tiffany Henyard's Boyfriend In 2024, the FBI served subpoenas at Dolton Village Hall amid ongoing claims of corruption, but Henyard was not served. She has also faced sexual assault allegations and scrutiny surrounding her cancer charity. Following her loss to Mayor-elect Jason House, authorities issued a federal subpoena after launching a criminal investigation tied to a development project involving land owned by Henyard's boyfriend, according to FOX 32 Chicago. House and Henyard did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Original article source: Critic of embattled Dolton, Illinois mayor sees business destroyed by 'suspicious' fire: officials
Fox News
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Critic of embattled Dolton, Illinois mayor sees business destroyed by ‘suspicious' fire: officials
An Illinois business belonging to a vocal critic of an embattled Democratic mayor went up in flames earlier this week in what is being investigated as a "suspicious" incident. "The fire is suspicious in nature," Dolton Deputy Fire Chief John Calhoun told WGN. "We do have the fire marshal out here currently with our [mutual aid] arson team." The fire began at approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday and was quickly elevated to a three-alarm response. While no one was injured, the building was completely destroyed, FOX 32 Chicago reported. A smaller fire was also reported at the same location last week, according to WGN. The location was raided by the Illinois Secretary of State police last year as part of a stolen car investigation, according to WGN. Officials previously told the outlet that 10 of 50 vehicles parked on the property were involved in auto theft investigations, with the owner, Lawrence Gardner, reportedly claiming he uses the facility to rent parking spaces. The Illinois Secretary of State and Dolton Fire Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Gardner reportedly was a frequent critic of outgoing Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard. Gardner previously claimed he was being retaliated against by Henyard for not offering his support, according to WGN. Gardner did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Henyard, who critics have dubbed the "worst mayor in America," has been the subject of numerous allegations throughout the years. The self-described "super mayor" came under fire last month for failing to show up to four consecutive village board meetings after losing her bid for re-election in February. In 2024, the FBI served subpoenas at Dolton Village Hall amid ongoing claims of corruption, but Henyard was not served. She has also faced sexual assault allegations and scrutiny surrounding her cancer charity. Following her loss to Mayor-elect Jason House, authorities issued a federal subpoena after launching a criminal investigation tied to a development project involving land owned by Henyard's boyfriend, according to FOX 32 Chicago. House and Henyard did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Fox News
23-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
NFL great Steve 'Mongo' McMichael dead at 67 after ALS battle
Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve "Mongo" McMichael has died after battling ALS at the age of 67, the NFL announced. McMichael's wife, Misty, told FOX 32 Chicago earlier Wednesday that her husband had been admitted into hospice care after being "unresponsive for the last two weeks." McMichael had been in and out of the hospital last year after developing infections, including MRSA and a UTI. The former edge rusher was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, but was unable to travel to Canton due to complications of the disease. McMichael spent the majority of his standout career in Chicago and helped lead the franchise to the Super Bowl title during the 1985 season. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to five All-Pro teams. He finished his Bears career with 92.5 sacks. This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates.
