ORLANDO - A mother is suing a group home over the death of her son.
Saralyn Walker, as personal representative of the estate of Caleb Walker, filed a lawsuit on Jan. 21 in the Orange County Circuit Court against Crystal Lake Supportive Environments, Inc. d/b/a Attain, Inc., a/k/a Oconee Group Home, Craig Cook, Derek Long and Larry Cherry for negligence and wrongful death, negligent supervision, negligent retention, negligent training and negligence.
According to the lawsuit, on Nov. 25, 2020, Caleb Walker was a resident of the Oconee Home. Upon waking up, Walker became aggressive towards Long, who was sitting in his room, and Long put Walker in a one-arm wrap and restrained him, the suit says.
Long then persisted to punch Walker and hold him down, it is alleged. Cherry then allegedly entered the room to help Long, and due to improper restraining of Walker, he was asphyxiated to death.
Saralyn Walker was caused to suffer loss of support and services of her son, past, present and future mental anguish and pain, funeral and burial expenses and loss of the capacity for enjoyment of life, the suit says.
Walker is represented by Matt W. Dietz of Disability Independence Group.
Orange County Circuit Court filing number 142432432