Sen. Blumenthal said his staff learned about the patient's death not from officials at the West Haven VA, but from the patient's friend.
The federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is investigating the death of a patient who was found in a public bathroom at the West Haven VA hospital last month.
The veteran was Zachary Greenough. His name was released by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal's office.
Blumenthal said his staff learned about Greenough's death not from officials at the West Haven VA, but from Greenough's friend.
Blumenthal said the veteran was living in a residential inpatient program at the hospital where he allegedly obtained illegal drugs before his death.
The medical examiner is determining the cause, but Blumenthal said there are many unanswered questions.
"Was it appropriate for this veteran to be there, how did he get access to drugs. How was he allowed to wander away?" Blumenthal said.
Blumenthal wrote to the VA Inspector General on December 24 and asked for a full and prompt investigation.
In the letter, Blumenthal wrote, "My staff has received allegations of reprehensible misconduct at the West Haven that may have led to Mr. Greenough's death."
He also wrote: "My staff has received information that Mr. Greenough obtained illegal drugs while living in a residential inpatient setting at the West Haven campus. A full and immediate investigation is essential concerning the specifics of this incident as well as systemic issues regarding staffing and security."
VA Connecticut Healthcare spokeswoman Pamela Redmond said when a death like this occurs, the VA Inspector General's office is immediately notified. There's no word on how long the investigation will take. The Inspector General's office in Washington, D.C. would only confirm it received Blumenthal's letter.
Meanwhile, VA Connecticut said its police are stepping up room searches with canine units.
