On January 17, 2023, the body of an unclaimed male, identified as Robert L. Reese, was discovered in Brockton, Massachusetts. Reese, a 69-year-old Black man, was known to have a history of medical complications stemming from a traumatic motor vehicle accident (MVA) that occurred in 1989 in Virginia, his home state. During the accident, Reese was a passenger and subsequently became a paraplegic, although he remained mentally alert and oriented throughout his life following the incident. Over the years, he resided in multiple skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The timeline of his move to Massachusetts remains unclear, but records indicate he was at a SNF that eventually closed, after which he transferred to Southeast Rehab.
The nursing staff at Southeast Rehab noted that Reese, while alert and coherent, rarely spoke of the 1989 MVA. On November 28, 2022, Reese's health deteriorated significantly when he was found to be hypotensive, lethargic, and experiencing fevers. He was admitted to Good Samaritan Medical Center where medical assessments revealed a profound infection, specifically a hip/gluteal abscess infiltrating his left thigh, complicated by femoral osteomyelitis connected to his pressure ulcers. Despite being medically managed for sepsis, Reese's condition led to a consultation with psychiatry, affirming his cognitive capability to make medical decisions.
On December 2, 2022, Reese chose to transition to comfort measures only (CMO), remaining in the hospital until he died on December 9, 2022. Notably, he tested negative for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The attending nurse documented ulcers on his coccyx and extremities as the only noticeable injuries related to his long-standing medical issues, affirming the absence of any other trauma. At the time of his death, Robert L. Reese was not cremated or embalmed, and no further details regarding the original accident were available. The case was recorded under OCME Case # 2023-897 by the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, located at 1 Simpkins Road, Sandwich, Massachusetts. Any inquiries can be directed to their contact number, 508-539-2200. Reese's case is identified in the Namus database with the ID UCP99768, reflecting the many uncertainties still surrounding his life and untimely passing.
Date Found: 01/17/2023
