TRINITY, Fla. — The family of an 83-year-old Navy veteran is grieving after he was found dead inside a walk-in freezer at The Waverly Assisted Living and Memory Care in Trinity, Florida, in a tragic accident that has shaken the community.
William Eugene “Gene” Ray, a retired U.S. Navy veteran who dedicated 36 years of service to his country, had been residing at the facility since May due to dementia, with his family seeking professional care and a safe environment for him.
On the early morning of September 26, Kristen Spencer, Ray’s daughter, discovered her father missing while reviewing footage from a Ring camera she had installed in his room. The video showed that he had left around 12:30 a.m. and had not returned. Spencer immediately contacted the facility, but it was only several hours later that staff informed her that Gene Ray had been found inside the freezer.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office responded around 8 a.m. and found Ray unresponsive. He was transported for medical care but was later pronounced dead. Authorities currently believe the incident was accidental and have indicated that no foul play is suspected.
Investigators are working to determine how Ray was able to access the restricted freezer area. Kristen Spencer voiced concerns about the vulnerability of residents in care facilities and questioned how quickly staff would have discovered her father had the family not reviewed the camera footage. She acknowledged that while there had been no major issues during his stay, there were minor warning signs in the preceding weeks.
The Waverly Assisted Living issued a statement expressing profound sorrow and sympathy for Ray’s family. The facility emphasized that resident safety, dignity, and well-being remain its top priorities, while also refuting false claims circulating online and commending staff for their professionalism and swift response.
Ray’s family remembers him as a kind, hardworking man who never raised his voice, describing his death as a devastating loss. They hope the ongoing investigation will clarify how the tragedy occurred and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
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