Parents file lawsuit against Oregon hospital after transporting deceased child home

A couple from Seattle, Aleksandr and Nataliya Yeremeyev, has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Salem Health and Dr. Stefani Sorensen after they were instructed to drive the body of their nearly 9-month-old son, Michael, back to Seattle following his death in an Oregon emergency room. The lawsuit claims that the couple sought respectful care and transportation for their son's remains but were pressured by hospital staff to transport the body themselves. Michael, who had Down syndrome, died on September 22, 2024, after being rushed to Salem Health Hospital due to rapid breathing. The family was in Salem for a religious retreat when the incident occurred. According to the complaint, when the parents inquired about arranging transport through a local funeral home, they were discouraged due to cost concerns and felt compelled to take their son’s body in their personal vehicle. Aleksandr drove approximately four hours with the body in the backseat, while his wife and other children followed in a separate car. The lawsuit alleges severe emotional distress for the father, who feared police stops and the deterioration of his child's body during the trip. The family’s attorney, Anna Bruckenhoefer, stated that the hospital should have had procedures in place to assist them during this difficult time. The lawsuit includes claims of direct negligence and breach of duty of care towards bereaved parents. Salem Health has stated that it cannot discuss the case due to litigation but emphasized that it follows hospital policy and Oregon state law in such situations.