Lack of care killed Iraq soldier, mother says

Lack of care killed Iraq soldier, mother says
The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Oct 8, 2007 7:05:04 EDT

INDIANAPOLIS — The family of a soldier who died in a medical transition program is raising questions about the care he received after he was wounded in Iraq.

“I think the Army’s lack of care and lack of medical treatment killed my son,” Kay McMullen of Carmel, mother of 32-year-old Sgt. Gerald J. Cassidy, said Friday.

Cassidy was found in his room at Fort Knox in Kentucky and pronounced dead about 6:50 p.m. Sept. 21, the military said. At the time of his death, Cassidy was in the Warrior Transition Program, an outpatient program that helps injured soldiers prepare to return to duty or be evaluated for disability. He was buried this week.

Fort Knox spokeswoman Connie Shaffery said Friday that Cassidy’s death is being investigated by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, which investigates all unattended deaths. Officials are awaiting lab results from a military autopsy, which could take several weeks, she said.

“This is something that is serious to Fort Knox and to the Army,” Shaffery said. She said the well-being of soldiers in the Warrior Transition Unit was a particular concern.

“Every aspect of his death is being investigated,” she added.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/10/ap_cassidy_deathcare_071005/