The family of Sarah June Niyimbona, a 12-year-old girl who died by suicide while under 24-hour supervision at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hospital, claiming negligence in her care.
Background of the Tragedy
Sarah began experiencing severe symptoms of depression in September 2024, and after several self-harm and suicide attempts, she was admitted to the hospital in January 2025 for inpatient psychiatric services. Part of her treatment plan included round-the-clock supervision to prevent self-harm and suicide.
However, according to the lawsuit, the hospital removed both the employee assigned to monitor Sarah and the video monitoring devices in her room.
On April 13, 2025, despite the supposed supervision, Sarah managed to leave her room and wander freely through the hospital. She ultimately climbed to the fourth floor of the parking structure and jumped off.
While Sarah suffered fatal injuries from the fall, the lawsuit claims she did not die on impact and instead endured pain and suffering before her death. The family alleges that the hospital’s negligence and failure to provide proper care were directly responsible for Sarah’s tragic death.
Hospital’s Response and Nurse Firings
Following the incident, local news outlet The Spokesman-Review reported that 15 nurses were fired for allegedly violating HIPAA by accessing Sarah’s private medical records after her death.
Another employee received disciplinary action. According to reports, these firings were connected to media coverage of the incident and the nurses’ involvement in sharing information.
The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) filed a grievance on behalf of the nurses, asserting that their firings were retaliatory.
WSNA spokesperson David Keepnews said the nurses were assisting in the crisis response and collecting relevant information about Sarah’s treatment to aid in efforts to save her life. Keepnews also rejected claims that the nurses had violated patient privacy, saying they were simply doing their jobs.
Legal Proceedings and Future Plans
In response to the lawsuit, the hospital filed a denial of the allegations on August 7, requesting a jury trial, which is currently scheduled for July 2026.
The lawsuit, filed by Sarah’s mother, Nasra Gertrude, does not specifically address the firings of the nurses or call for further disciplinary actions against the hospital staff. However, the family’s legal team continues to pursue justice for Sarah’s death.
As this case progresses, the public is awaiting more details on the potential liability of Sacred Heart Hospital and the broader issues surrounding mental health care in hospital settings.
