A Washington state couple is suing an Oregon hospital and associated medical providers, alleging staff mishandled the death of their eight-month-old son, Michael, and caused severe emotional distress. The lawsuit claims the parents were told transporting his body to a funeral home would be too expensive, leaving them to carry him from the hospital and drive four hours back to Seattle themselves.

According to the complaint, Michael died at 2.44am on 22 September 2024 after being taken to Salem Health with breathing difficulties during a family trip. His parents allege they were not offered morgue storage, received only a note on prescription paper confirming his death, were given inadequate transport advice, and had to contact funeral homes during the journey; they are seeking $10 million in damages. The allegations have not been proven in court.