Second coronavirus death linked to Ridgefield assisted living facility

Benchmark Senior Living at Ridgefield Crossing, on Route 7, in Ridgefield, Conn. March 19, 2020. An 88-year-old former resident of the facility became the state’s first COVID-19 fatality. He died Wednesday morning at Danbury Hospital. less Benchmark Senior Living at Ridgefield Crossing, on Route 7, in Ridgefield, Conn. March 19, 2020. An 88-year-old former resident of the facility became the state’s first COVID-19 fatality. He died Wednesday ... more Photo: Peter Yankowski / Hearst Connecticut Media Photo: Peter Yankowski / Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 117 Caption Close Second coronavirus death linked to Ridgefield assisted living facility 1 / 117 Back to Gallery

An official at a Ridgefield assisted living facility confirmed Tuesday a second resident has died after testing positive for the coronavirus.

As of Tuesday, 16 people at Benchmark Senior Living at Ridgefield Crossings, have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

“We are heartbroken to confirm that on March 23, 2019, a beloved member and resident of our community at Ridgefield Crossings passed away,” said Bob Moran, senior vice president of operations at Benchmark Senior Living, in a letter to residents families obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media.

It was unclear from the statement where the person died.

“We extend our thoughts and deepest sympathies to the resident’s family, and we remain committed to helping our residents and associates through another tragic loss,” Moran said.

After staff from Danbury Hospital began testing residents for the disease Monday, the facility learned of 16 additional COVID-19 cases, Moran said.

Those residents have not exhibited any symptoms “and are being closely monitored and cared for by our trained staff,” he said.

The number respresents more than 11 percent of the 140 residents at Ridgefield Crossings.

First Selectman Rudy Marconi confirmed a second Ridgefield resident had died during his Monday night livestream about the virus. Health Director Ed Briggs said the second person to die was in their 80’s.

On Wednesday, March 18, Gov. Ned Lamont announced the first death in the state, an 88-year-old man who had been living at Ridgefield Crossings.

A spokesperson for Ridgefield Crossings said the man was taken to the hospital March 13 where he tested positive for the disease. He remained at the hospital until he died, the spokesperson said.

Moran said staff at Ridgefield Crossings are being required to wear protective gear. Staff are having their temperatures taken daily and “enhancing cleaning measures.”

Group activities have also been cancelled to prevent interactions between residents, Moran said.