ELLIJAY, GA – According to an official statement by the Ellijay Police Department, police are continuing the investigation, alongside other entities, into the incident at the Gilmer Nursing Home that ultimately resulted in the death of a resident.

The statement also officially names the resident as Dorothy Broome, 83. The official statement follows:

On August 25, 2017 at approximately 10:01 PM, officers from the Ellijay Police Department were dispatched to and arrived at South Main Street in front of the Gilmer Nursing Home. Upon arrival, an 83 year old white female, later identified as Dorothy Broome, was found with her wheel chair in the ditch along the south bound lanes of South Main Street. Gilmer County and City of Ellijay Fire and Rescue Personnel rendered aid to Mrs. Broome who was transported to Erlanger Hospital via air ambulance. Mrs. Broome was pronounced dead by doctors of Erlanger hospital at 02:06 am.

Mrs. Broome was a resident in care of Gilmer Nursing Home. The Nursing Home is equipped with doors which lock from the inside. However, it has been reported to investigating personnel that prior to Mrs. Broome being found on South Main Street, a fire alarm had been pulled at the Gilmer Nursing Home which automatically releases the locking doors to allow egress of residents in case of fire.

The City of Ellijay Police Department is conducting a joint investigation with the Gilmer County Coroner’s Office, Georgia Department of Community Health (Division of Healthcare Facility Regulation), and the Georgia State Fire Marshal.