Latest news with #LewyBody
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Donald L. Helmick, Warren, Ohio
WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Donald Helmick, 78, passed away after a courageous battle against Lewy Body Dementia, Wednesday morning, May 14, 2025. He spent his last few days surrounded by family in the care of the loving nurses through Buckeye Hospice and the Newton Falls Country Club. He was born in Warren, Ohio, on October 22, 1946, the son of the late, Nellie and Clyde Helmick. Find obituaries from your high school Don graduated from Leavittsburg High School in 1965 and that's where he met the love of his life, Regena (Davis) and they married on June 1, 1968. Don was a Vietnam Army veteran and then worked at American Welding as a scheduler until the business closed. Don worked at a few other places until his official retirement. Don was an outdoorsy type of person who loved to fish, hike, bike and made many wonderful memories camping with family and friends. He enjoyed coaching his son's baseball teams, cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and watching NASCAR. Don was always helping other people with home improvements and was very handy. Don is preceded in death by his parents, his half-sister, Hilda and his half-brother, Cecil. Lovely recollections of Don will be passed down through wife, Regena; his siblings, Fred (Sally) Helmick, Harold Helmick, Sue (Vic) Belebczuk and George Helmick; daughter, Janet (John) Perdue; son, Daniel (Jenny) Helmick; granddaughters, Stephanie (Sean) Lujan and Alyssa (Marcus) Sedlak; great-granddaughter, Zoe Sedlak and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Arrangements have been taken care of by Carl W. Hall Funeral 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
STV News
15-05-2025
- Health
- STV News
Families 'heartbroken' after plans to expand island's only care home scrapped
Plans to expand the number of beds at the only care home on a Scottish island have been abandoned. Families on Bute are struggling to care for loved ones with complex dementia needs or having to send them to the mainland. In October, Argyll and Bute Council announced funding to expand Thomson Court — the island's only care home — from eight beds to 14. But the plans have been scrapped due to an overspend in social care costs. The council and health and social care partnership say they're 'extremely disappointed' they can't proceed, blaming costs that far exceed their budget. STV News Jacqueline and John McTaggart. John McTaggart, 75, and his daughter Jacqueline, 51, are caring for his wife Nancy at home. She has Lewy Body dementia, an advanced form of the brain condition. But her family says sending her off the island feels unthinkable. 'I feel if she goes into a home, that'll be the end of it. After all these years, it would break my heart,' John told STV News. John, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and has had multiple spinal fractures, worries about the difficulty of traveling if his wife is placed in a care home on the mainland. 'The lack of facilities here is ridiculous. That is a big worry to us,' he added. 'She could be placed anywhere, such as the north of Scotland. That's a hell of a lot of travel. 'You don't know what's ahead of you.' Jacqueline added: 'It has been a torrid time for the family. We're petrified at the thought of mum going to a care home off the island. 'We have no control over where she would be placed. We've been told people are placed in areas like Fife or Stirling. 'That would involve a lot of travelling for us, and my dad wouldn't manage it now.' Jacqueline is pleading for more funding for additional beds at Thomson Court. 'Some of the care homes (on the mainland) are very large and, in some cases, they lose the person-centred family feel. I do think she would deteriorate quite rapidly. 'Family relationships are crucial for people with dementia. We want to hold onto mum for as long as we can.' STV News Joanna's mum is in a care home on the mainland It's an issue islanders on Bute have had to face more than once. Ongoing financial pressures have seen the council consider closing care homes on the island, and most recently, its only elderly day care centre, sparking outcry and a petition that ultimately saved the facility. But the decision to scrap plans for six desperately needed additional care home beds is currently at the forefront of residents' minds. Joanna Hoey is one of those who have had to make a painful decision. She relies on her wheelchair and now faces a five-hour round trip to visit her mother, Ann Sawers. 'I was travelling to see my mum on her birthday recently, and my wheelchair broke, so I had to come back home. It really hurt me,' she said. 'It's just cruel. My mum was born and brought up here – I'm trying to get her back here. That's what she would want. 'There would be someone with her all the time here – that's how simple it would be. We wouldn't miss Christmas or a birthday. 'She's over there right now with no one. When you do visit, you don't get enough time to sit with them because you have to think of getting back home. 'We'd love to be with her while she's going through what she's going through. When someone has dementia, they really need their family.' Community council convenor Jean Moffat said the beds are 'desperately' needed for the island. She said: 'This is the only care home on the island, with just eight beds for a population of 6,000, where 25% are over 65. We are a very deprived area in many ways. It's appalling. 'It's beyond belief that a council would consider closing or reducing an offering they've made. We have a great deal of need on this island for care – find the money from some of the budget. 'Care homes should be at the front of their minds, because after all, we measure society by how you look after the poorest and most needy. 'When they review the situation, they have to go back to tender. Building costs are going through the roof every day; to pause everything doesn't make any fiscal sense.' Adam Stachura, director of policy, communications and external affairs at Age Scotland, said: 'It can be really difficult to get a care home place in Scotland, but particularly so in rural communities. As the choice becomes much more limited, older people face the challenge of moving considerable distances from their family, community, and social networks, risking severe loneliness. 'We're really worried about how quickly social care services are disappearing and how hard they are to access. It needs national reform, and the Scottish Government must focus on fixing social care. Without bold action, we are at risk of losing an essential national service.' A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: 'The HSCP and Argyll and Bute Council are unable to proceed at this time with the proposed project to re-model the care home at Thomson Court as the proposed costs for the work, following detailed design and a competitive tender exercise, are significantly in excess of the available budget. 'We are extremely disappointed that we are unable to proceed as we fully recognise the excess and increasing demand for residential care home capacity on Bute. This should, however, be considered as a temporary pause in the project, and we are in the process of developing our long-term approach to delivering residential care services for our older adult population. This work will include the needs of the people of Bute. 'In addition to the increased proposed project costs that came out of the tender process, the HSCP has also experienced increased social care demand and staffing costs which has led to us significantly overspending on social care services. This further adds to the difficulty in funding the project at present.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Mentally Unfit to Stand Trial, Per Court
A New York federal court has ruled that the former chief executive officer of Abercrombie & Fitch Mike Jeffries is mentally unfit to stand trial on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Jeffries will be held for four months and treated in a hospital to determine whether his condition improves enough for his case to go forward. More from WWD Jury Selection to Start on Monday for Sean Combs' Sex Trafficking Trial U.K. Retailers Harrods, Marks & Spencer Attacked by Cyber Hackers Kohl's Is Trapped in a 'Perfect Storm' In October, Jeffries, who worked at the Columbus, Ohio-based retailer from 1992 to 2014, was charged with one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution. He is accused of orchestrating an international sex operation that involved using his influence and phony modeling opportunities to take advantage of a few dozen men. The alleged incidents were said to have taken place in various properties and at some luxury hotels around the world. His romantic partner Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, an alleged middleman, were also arrested last year and they face the same charges as Jeffries. All three men plead not guilty last year in the federal courthouse in Central Islip, N.Y., and have denied any wrongdoing. Last fall Jeffries was placed under house arrest after posting $10 million in bail. In December, Jeffries' legal team filed an unopposed motion to determine competency to stand trial and was later granted that by the court and was ordered to be examined by Dr. Alexander S. Bardley and Dr. Cheryl Paradis. Those evaluations concluded that Jeffries is suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to properly assist in his defense, according to his attorney Brian Bieber's filing last month. On Friday in the federal courthouse in East Islip, Justice Nusrat Choudhury ruled that Jeffries was suffering from a mental disease or defect and would be unable to understand court proceedings. Jeffries is said to meet the criteria for major neurocognitive disorder, specifically Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body disease and the residual effects of a traumatic brain injury. His attorneys said that Jeffries requires 24/7 care to maintain his health and safety and that his cognitive deficits 'significantly impair' his ability to understand the nature and consequences of the charges or to participate in his defense 'with a reasonable degree of rational understanding.' Brad Edwards of Edwards Henderson, who is representing some of Jeffries' accusers, was not immediately available Saturday to comment, nor was Jeffries' attorney Bieber of Gray & Robinson. Representatives at Abercrombie & Fitch, which was ordered by the court to pay for Jeffries' legal defense in March, did not respond immediately to a request for comment Saturday. Best of WWD La La Anthony's Style Through the Years: Met Gala Looks, MTV Days and More Photos Emma Chamberlain's Style Through the Years: Met Gala Looks, Red Carpets and More, Photos Royals at the Met Gala Through the Years: Princess Diana in John Galliano, Queen Rania and More Photos
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
US court rules ex-Abercrombie CEO unfit for trial
The former chief executive of fashion brand Abercrombie & Fitch is "mentally incompetent" and currently unfit to stand trial on charges of sex trafficking and prostitution, a US court has ruled. Mike Jeffries will now be held in custody and treated in hospital for an initial period of up to four months to determine if his condition is likely to improve enough for the case to proceed. Mr Jeffries' legal team said last December he has dementia and late onset Alzheimer's disease. He is accused of using his wealth, power and status to traffic and sexually abuse vulnerable men over years - alleged crimes that could carry a life-term jail sentence. Judge Nusrat Choudhury agreed on Friday that the defendant was "suffering from a mental disease or defect", making him "unable to understand" court proceedings. The ruling followed an assessment by two medical experts - one designated by Mr Jeffries' defence team, the other chosen by prosecutors. Judge Choudhury said in a court order that Mr Jeffries would be treated in hospital for up to four months to see if he is likely to regain competency. Once a follow-up assessment is complete, the defendant could either face trial or the court will weigh up next steps. These could include dropping the criminal charges against him, or releasing him to home confinement. Mr Jeffries was arrested and charged last October along with his British partner, Matthew Smith, 61, and their middleman, James Jacobson, 72. All three deny the allegations. US prosecutors allege the men used force, fraud and coercion to make young men, many of whom were aspiring models, engage in violent and exploitative sex acts while Mr Jeffries was chief executive from at least 2008 until 2015. The charges followed a 2023 BBC documentary and ongoing podcast series that revealed the three of them benefited from a sophisticated operation in which recruiters scouted young men for sex in cities including London, New York, Paris and Marrakesh. The BBC has since revealed that more than 40 men, including Abercrombie & Fitch employees, have now come forward with civil allegations of sexual assault, drugging or rape - with claims dating back to 1992, the year Mr Jeffries started running the company. Civil trial lawyers have told the BBC their clients are dismayed at the criminal court's decision that Mr Jeffries is unfit to stand trial. "We've been speaking with our clients who are disappointed by the decision and still want justice," said Brad Edwards and Brittany Henderson, representing 26 alleged victims. Brian Bieber, Mr Jeffries' criminal defence lawyer, said his client had recently been evaluated by doctors who determined he had Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body disease, and the residual effects of a traumatic brain injury requiring around-the-clock care, which "will almost certainly worsen over time". Dr Cheryl Paradis, the US prosecutor's medical expert, also independently assessed Mr Jeffries. According to court papers, she found he was unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to properly assist in his defence. "His memory impairment almost certainly would cause him to be unable to accurately recall key events and details," Dr Paradis said, according to the court filings, "and severely limit his capacity to provide accurate and reliable information". She added: "Additionally, his inappropriate behaviour, which is a symptom of his dementia, could further interfere with his ability to maintain proper courtroom demeanour. He may blurt out self-incriminating statements or engage in erratic behaviour, which would undermine his credibility." The BBC understands that Mr Jacobson and Mr Smith could still face trial on the same sex-trafficking and prostitution charges. Alongside criminal charges, Mr Jeffries and his partner Mr Smith have been defending multiple civil lawsuits accusing them of rape, sex trafficking and assault, which they "vehemently deny". The civil lawsuits had been stayed - or legally put on pause - until the resolution of the criminal case, which takes precedence to protect Mr Jeffries' right against self-incrimination. Lawsuit accuses Abercrombie & Fitch of funding sex-trafficking operation While his criminal case remains uncertain, Mr Jeffries could still face a civil trial or reach a settlement over the allegations. If this was the case, the outcome could lead to compensation being awarded to alleged victims. "Mike Jeffries attacked these men and ruined their lives at a point when they were at their most vulnerable and chasing their dreams," said civil case lawyer, Brad Edwards. "He will still be held accountable by our lawsuit and his co-conspirators will still face the criminal justice system. "For anyone affected still in fear about coming forward, you should be reassured that his power is now totally gone". Abercrombie & Fitch is also being sued for negligence, with lawsuits claiming that it knowingly facilitated "heinous sexual crimes". The company - which also owns the Hollister brand - has previously said it was "appalled and disgusted" by Mr Jeffries' alleged behaviour. Abercombie & Fitch must pay for ex-CEO's criminal sex trafficking defence How my investigation led to sex trafficking charges against ex-Abercrombie boss
BBC News
03-05-2025
- BBC News
Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO deemed unfit to stand trial
The former chief executive of fashion brand Abercrombie & Fitch is "mentally incompetent" and currently unfit to stand trial on charges of sex trafficking and prostitution, a US court has Jeffries will now be held in custody and treated in hospital for an initial period of up to four months to determine if his condition is likely to improve enough for the case to proceed. Mr Jeffries' legal team said last December he has dementia and late onset Alzheimer's is accused of using his wealth, power and status to traffic and sexually abuse vulnerable men over years - alleged crimes that could carry a life-term jail sentence. Judge Nusrat Choudhury agreed on Friday that the defendant was "suffering from a mental disease or defect", making him "unable to understand" court ruling followed an assessment by two medical experts - one designated by Mr Jeffries' defence team, the other chosen by Choudhury said in a court order that Mr Jeffries would be treated in hospital for up to four months to see if he is likely to regain competency. Once a follow-up assessment is complete, the defendant could either face trial or the court will weigh up next could include dropping the criminal charges against him, or releasing him to home Jeffries was arrested and charged last October along with his British partner, Matthew Smith, 61, and their middleman, James Jacobson, 72. All three deny the prosecutors allege the men used force, fraud and coercion to make young men, many of whom were aspiring models, engage in violent and exploitative sex acts while Mr Jeffries was chief executive from at least 2008 until 2015. The charges followed a 2023 BBC documentary and ongoing podcast series that revealed the three of them benefited from a sophisticated operation in which recruiters scouted young men for sex in cities including London, New York, Paris and BBC has since revealed that more than 40 men, including Abercrombie & Fitch employees, have now come forward with civil allegations of sexual assault, drugging or rape - with claims dating back to 1992, the year Mr Jeffries started running the trial lawyers have told the BBC their clients are dismayed at the criminal court's decision that Mr Jeffries is unfit to stand trial."We've been speaking with our clients who are disappointed by the decision and still want justice," said Brad Edwards and Brittany Henderson, representing 26 alleged Bieber, Mr Jeffries' criminal defence lawyer, said his client had recently been evaluated by doctors who determined he had Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body disease, and the residual effects of a traumatic brain injury requiring around-the-clock care, which "will almost certainly worsen over time".Dr Cheryl Paradis, the US prosecutor's medical expert, also independently assessed Mr Jeffries. According to court papers, she found he was unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to properly assist in his defence."His memory impairment almost certainly would cause him to be unable to accurately recall key events and details," Dr Paradis said, according to the court filings, "and severely limit his capacity to provide accurate and reliable information".She added: "Additionally, his inappropriate behaviour, which is a symptom of his dementia, could further interfere with his ability to maintain proper courtroom demeanour. He may blurt out self-incriminating statements or engage in erratic behaviour, which would undermine his credibility." The BBC understands that Mr Jacobson and Mr Smith could still face trial on the same sex-trafficking and prostitution criminal charges, Mr Jeffries and his partner Mr Smith have been defending multiple civil lawsuits accusing them of rape, sex trafficking and assault, which they "vehemently deny".The civil lawsuits had been stayed - or legally put on pause - until the resolution of the criminal case, which takes precedence to protect Mr Jeffries' right against self-incrimination. Lawsuit accuses Abercrombie & Fitch of funding sex-trafficking operation While his criminal case remains uncertain, Mr Jeffries could still face a civil trial or reach a settlement over the allegations. If this was the case, the outcome could lead to compensation being awarded to alleged victims."Mike Jeffries attacked these men and ruined their lives at a point when they were at their most vulnerable and chasing their dreams," said civil case lawyer, Brad Edwards."He will still be held accountable by our lawsuit and his co-conspirators will still face the criminal justice system."For anyone affected still in fear about coming forward, you should be reassured that his power is now totally gone".Abercrombie & Fitch is also being sued for negligence, with lawsuits claiming that it knowingly facilitated "heinous sexual crimes".The company - which also owns the Hollister brand - has previously said it was "appalled and disgusted" by Mr Jeffries' alleged behaviour.
