Nursing home patient's death during heat wave investigated

The Rhode Island Department of Health is investigating a woman's death at a nursing home during Saturday's extreme heat.

Charlesgate Nursing Center in Providence said the woman's death was sudden, which is why the Health Department is investigating if it was heat-related. The outside temperature Saturday was 95.

Administrator Lucille Massemino said the woman lived on the fourth floor, the only floor without air conditioning in all patient rooms. Two air-conditioned common rooms were provided for residents, but the woman who died did not leave her room.

The facility said the woman had lived at the nursing home for more than a year and wasn't in poor health, which is why they say the death was sudden.

Although health officials said the fourth floor was evacuated after the woman's death, the Massemino told NBC 10 the move was voluntary.

Charlesgate Nursing Center said it did not receive a heat advisory from the state on Saturday. However, the administrator said each day staff makes sure residents stay hydrated. They also have access to ice pops, fans and air-conditioned rooms.