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NewsSaturday, December 1, 2007 10:15 PM CST
Worker found dead at Pontiac hospital
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PONTIAC -- Authorities are investigating the death of a nurse whose body was found Thursday in a locked restroom at OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center.

No foul play is suspected.

Darla J. Simmons, 35, of Flanagan was found about 10:40 a.m. after other workers told police that she was not responding to pages.

Pontiac Police Administrative Commander Jim Woolford said police are investigating to determine the cause of death. Livingston County Coroner Michael Burke said an autopsy has been ordered.

Pam Meiner, director of marketing for the hospital, confirmed there was a death on the campus Thursday but said she could not comment any further due to privacy laws and the ongoing investigation.

Simmons was an acute care unit nurse at the hospital, according to obituary information supplied by Calvert and Froelich Memorial Home, Flanagan.

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Reader comments on this story - 28 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Melinda wrote on Dec 2, 2007 9:45 AM:

" Darla was probably the best nurse I ever had the pleasure of working with and a great friend as well. I learned a lot from her as a nurse, and I have many fond memories of her as a friend. She has taken care of my husband & my father-in-law, and there is no one else I would have rather had take care of my loved ones. Terry, Conner, Ashley, we're praying for you during this terrible tragedy. "

Sympathy wrote on Dec 1, 2007 2:02 PM:

" to her family & friends...... "

no.... wrote on Dec 1, 2007 11:10 AM:

" It's HIPPA... "

at least spell it write wrote on Dec 1, 2007 7:33 AM:

" truthfinder...it's hipaa, not hippa. "

Friend wrote on Dec 1, 2007 6:22 AM:

" I am still in utter shock of this tragedy. My heart goes out to Terry, Ashley, Connor, Dave & Debi. She will be missed & Always loved. "

Flanagan wrote on Dec 1, 2007 4:11 AM:

" When something like this happens in a town like Flanagan, we all feel the pain. Terry's family were my neighbors growing up. I did not know Darla very well, but I am still deeply shocked and saddened by this news. My heart and prayers go out to all her friends and family, especially her parents, Terry, and her two BEAUTIFUL young children. Rest in peace Darla. "

Think before you Type wrote on Nov 30, 2007 11:25 PM:

" Truth Finder, please be respectful of the privacy of others. This matter is not your business. So please keep your ridiculous and disrespectful comments to yourself. "

coworker/family friend wrote on Nov 30, 2007 9:53 PM:

" To Debi, David, Terry, and kids, and Dave and Teri, my prayers are with you during this horribly tragic time. Darla will be missed by everyone who knew her. I'm so very sorry. "

Test wrote on Nov 30, 2007 9:19 PM:

" do they reall ypost what you write? "

Truth Finder wrote on Nov 30, 2007 9:17 PM:

" What privacy laws? They throw HIPPA around when they don't even know what it stands for. Typical OSF and Catholic Church-Hush up and cover up. Just tell the truth-just the facts and their will be no gossip......... "

to : Crazy wrote on Nov 30, 2007 4:59 PM:

" Sorry we do not have a white elepant that is increasing our taxes and a bunch of snooty people asking for their discount. We do have good people who work hard as all the other comments state. Crawl back into your hole and make stupid, senseless commets on other articles. My sympathy to this lady's family and friends. Sounds like she will be missed, "

Lincoln Resident on 3rd street wrote on Nov 30, 2007 4:54 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers to her family and friends !!!!!! "

Missing a Friend wrote on Nov 30, 2007 3:59 PM:

" Darla we love you and will miss you dearly. Darla's husband, kids and family, our hearts go out to you, you will be in our thoughts and prayers. "

Anonymous wrote on Nov 30, 2007 3:58 PM:

" Though I barely knew her, Darla was a great person to be around. I had seen her only a few times, but I could tell that she always brought the life to the working environment. She was always happy and she always made me laugh. This was very unexpected and I wish there was something to stop her. I know people who are deeply affected by this and I want to cry at the very thought. My thoughts and prayers go to her family especially. Also, her friends and co workers as well. R.I.P Darla. "

Mom to 1 wrote on Nov 30, 2007 3:54 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers are with Darla's family. "

So Young wrote on Nov 30, 2007 3:13 PM:

" So Sad of an ordeal, May God be with the family at this difficult time. "

Classmate wrote on Nov 30, 2007 3:03 PM:

" I'm shocked and saddened by this. My thoughts and prayers to Terry and the families. RIP Darla. "

Very Sorry wrote on Nov 30, 2007 2:43 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Darla's friends and family, especially her husband and children. "

Dean wrote on Nov 30, 2007 2:19 PM:

" Darla is my friend , my friends wife , my nurse, my babysitter and my confidant, she has looked after me and looked out for me , she has been a huge part of my daughter and my life , we all are at a loss without Darla in our lives but she leaves a bigger hole in Terry's , Conner's and Ashley's lives . This crazy australian already misses you . Thanks for all you have done for us .. "

W wrote on Nov 30, 2007 2:17 PM:

" how awful - thoughts and prayers to family and friends "

Sorry to hear wrote on Nov 30, 2007 2:00 PM:

" Sorry to hear this news! My thoughts/prayers go out to her family/friends! God bless! A Normal resident "

*co-worker* wrote on Nov 30, 2007 1:44 PM:

" My heart goes out to Darla's family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "

A friend wrote on Nov 30, 2007 1:42 PM:

" Darla was a great wife, mother, co-worker!!! We all will miss her!! Please think of her family if you respond to this comment board as they are grieving. "

Crazy! wrote on Nov 30, 2007 1:05 PM:

" Lots of Crazy things happening in Pontia these days! "

Thoughts and prayers wrote on Nov 30, 2007 1:01 PM:

" to the family at this most difficult time. "

a good friend wrote on Nov 30, 2007 12:52 PM:

" She was one of the best friends I ever had and I will miss her dearly. Darla, I love you and I'll never forget you! "

a good friend wrote on Nov 30, 2007 12:52 PM:

" She was one of the best friends I ever had and I will miss her dearly. Darla, I love you and I'll never forget you! "

Annie wrote on Nov 30, 2007 12:34 PM:

" Oh my goodness!!! Oh my goodness!!! "

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