The family of Mwite Emily Kasanga, who tragically died choking at the age of 34, has initiated legal proceedings against her care home, alleging serious negligence regarding her care. Emily, a resident at Clearbrook, a nonprofit care facility in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, reportedly succumbed to choking due to the failure of staff to adhere to her specific care plan.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/emily-kasanga-2-070926-610be8d01e534a59abd0f150bb19c769.jpg)
The lawsuit, filed on July 6, outlines a series of alleged lapses in Emily’s supervision during mealtimes, despite documented risks associated with her disabilities. Emily struggled with autism, moderate intellectual disability, intermittent explosive disorder, and seizure disorder, conditions that required particular attention during meals. According to the suit, her care plan mandated that her food be prepared in small, manageable pieces and that she receive constant supervision while eating.
On April 25, 2026, the complaint asserts that Clearbrook staff served Emily food without appropriately altering it and allowed her to eat alone in the living room while they attended to other matters. Upon returning, they reportedly found Emily choking and attempted to address the situation by instructing another resident to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre while calling emergency services. Tragically, by the time help arrived, she had already collapsed and was beyond rescue.
The tragic loss has had a profound impact on the family, who were informed of Emily’s death only when her brother arrived at the facility for a scheduled family visit. Ashley Kasanga, Emily’s sister, expressed the deep sorrow the family now experiences, describing it as “the biggest, most devastating, traumatic, life-changing event.” She also highlighted the resilience Emily displayed throughout her life, having been born with significant medical challenges.
The lawsuit points to Clearbrook’s responsibility as a Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) home, emphasising their duty to provide a safe environment for those they serve. The family argues that staff were aware of the risks associated with Emily’s condition and failed to take the necessary precautions to ensure her safety during meals. This includes not only inadequate supervision but also a lack of training regarding her dietary needs.
Emily’s family seeks to hold Clearbrook accountable for what they describe as negligence leading to her wrongful death, claiming that her passing inflicted significant emotional distress on them, including grief and a loss of companionship. “She loved people. She loved to help people,” Ashley remembered fondly, reflecting on Emily’s positive spirit and her desire to uplift those around her.
The family aims to shed light on issues concerning care for individuals with disabilities, hoping that Emily’s tragic situation can be a catalyst for change in the system. Ashley voiced their desire to raise awareness for those with similar conditions and their families, stating, “We want to not only seek justice for our family, but we want to spread awareness.”
The lawsuit not only targets Clearbrook but also a specific caretaker for failing to follow established protocols during mealtimes. The complaint stresses that the staff member knew—or should have known—the appropriate procedures to follow in light of Emily’s needs and the risks involved.
Emily’s family has previously raised concerns about Clearbrook’s operations, citing unaddressed issues that they felt compromised resident safety. Ashley remarked on the lack of serious attention given to these matters prior to the incident, stating there should be accountability within the healthcare sector. “They need to understand that if someone’s putting their loved ones in your care, you should care for them as you would want someone to care for you or your loved ones.”
Margaret Battersby Black, the attorney representing the Kasanga family, emphasised that the family remained highly involved in Emily’s life, regularly visiting her and ensuring she received the care she needed. This raises troubling questions about the experiences of individuals with less family advocacy.
The lawsuit has drawn public interest, as it not only seeks justice for Emily but also questions broader issues within care institutions. Clearbrook has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
As the case unfolds, the Kasanga family remains determined to ensure that no other family experiences the heartache they have endured, hoping their legal battle will lead to crucial changes within care facilities for individuals with disabilities.