Andrew Witkoff Death: The Hollywood Reporter (THR) recently exposed concerning care practices at One80 Center, leading to the firing of the rehab’s CEO and clinical director by its investors. This action follows a lawsuit filed by the parents of Andrew Witkoff, a former client who tragically died from an OxyContin overdose at the age of 22. The lawsuit alleges wrongful death, negligence, and fraud against the rehab facility and its leadership.
Background and Incident
Andrew Witkoff, the son of wealthy Manhattan real estate mogul Steven Witkoff, owner of the Woolworth Building, and his wife, Lauren, passed away two years ago after an overdose at One80 Center’s sober living home on Sunset Plaza Drive. The incident has sparked a legal battle, bringing to light the alleged failures in the facility’s care and supervision.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
The complaint, filed on August 9 in Los Angeles Superior Court, names former CEO Alex Shohet, his wife and former clinical director Bernadine Fried, and Justin Carroll, a co-founder of the rehab center who left in July. The lawsuit accuses the facility of several critical failures:
- Lack of Supervision: The Witkoffs claim that One80 Center allowed their son to leave the facility unattended, skip urine tests, and buy illegal drugs online while in residence.
- Unqualified Staff: The lawsuit highlights that Andrew’s $1,000-a-day sober companion was untrained and did not provide adequate supervision. This individual had no formal training in substance abuse counseling and treatment and received little on-the-job training before being assigned.
- Negligence and Fraud: The complaint states, “The reality is that inappropriate levels of freedom, and lackadaisical and inadequate supervision, was and is provided to clients.” The Witkoffs allege that the facility’s negligence directly contributed to their son’s death.
Legal and Community Reactions
Attorney’s Statement: New York attorney Robert Gold, representing the Witkoff family, emphasizes that the lawsuit is not about financial compensation. “Their only interest in pursuing this lawsuit is to prevent other families from suffering the loss of loved ones battling addiction at the hands of people in positions of power in the recovery industry who demonstrate an unconscionable disregard for their clients’ best interest.”
Facility and Staff Response: As of now, Shohet, Fried, and interim CEO Edward Kislinger, who led the recent leadership coup, have not responded to requests for comment. Justin Carroll was also unavailable for comment.
Impact on the Community: The lawsuit has sparked significant concern and reflection within the community, especially among those connected to the recovery industry. The allegations raise serious questions about the standards and practices of rehab facilities and their responsibilities toward clients.
Broader Implications and Related Cases
The Witkoffs’ lawsuit is not the only legal action being considered in the wake of the THR investigation. The family of Jean Galletta, another individual who died on-site, is also contemplating legal action. Since the publication of the investigative story, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has launched investigations into both deaths.
Moving Forward
The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the rehab and recovery industry, potentially leading to stricter regulations and oversight. The Witkoff family hopes that their legal action will not only bring justice for their son but also prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Andrew Witkoff’s untimely death has exposed critical issues within One80 Center and potentially the broader rehab industry. The ongoing lawsuit filed by his parents seeks to address these issues, holding those in power accountable for their alleged negligence and fraud. As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the case underscores the vital importance of proper care and supervision in substance abuse recovery facilities.
