Local News

“I would like to know if protocols were followed.”

The family of a Plymouth man who was found dead after being discharged from a hospital last week is questioning the circumstances of his release from the facility, Boston 25 News reports. 

Rodney Riviello, 69, went missing after he departed Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth on June 18. He was found dead, outside, in Plymouth on Saturday afternoon, following a four-day search by police. 

Riviello’s children, Michelle Norris and Dan Riviello, told Boston 25 News their father fell during his morning walk on Tuesday and EMS brought him to the Beth Israel emergency room where he was treated for a broken nose, cuts, and bruises. But, they told the station, a CT scan also revealed he had a brain condition that affects decision-making and that can lead to dementia. 

The family told Boston 25 News that they weren’t told he was at the hospital or that he was being released, and that he appears to have disappeared while a ride-share was being arranged for him. 

“It’s unimaginable and I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” Dan Riviello told the station.

Dan Riviello and Norris told Boston 25 News they want to know why their father was released with no one to pick him up during the heatwave, given the results of his scan. They say his body was found within a mile of the hospital. 

“I would like to know if protocols were followed. Were there safety nets in place that just somebody had a bad day and didn’t follow them? Or are there truly no protocols. And then we would know where to focus our efforts on what change we can affect,” Norris said. 

In a statement obtained by Boston 25 News, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth said, “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Riviello, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. In the interest of patient privacy, BID Plymouth does not comment on or share individual patient health information.”

In his obituary, Riviello’s family is remembering the 69-year-old for how he “rooted” for his children and community over the years. 

“Rodney was a kind man who loved the simple things like spending time with family, reading his daily newspaper, watching game shows, and rooting for the New York Yankees,” they wrote. “He had an extensive autograph collection that he loved showing off to anyone who came by the house, and there was no ‘dad joke’ too lame for him to tell you with a smile.”

According to Boston 25 News, Riviello’s death is being investigated by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office.