Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher announced Friday that Elena Moore, the woman reported missing in early June after leaving a Planet Fitness, died of natural causes. The medical finding points to complications from cardiac dysrhythmias with premature ventricular contractions. There were no signs of trauma, and no criminal cause of death was identified. Investigators later found Moore near North Lake Drive.
The coroner’s statement focused less on the heart and more on what led up to it. Fisher said Moore was in a full mental health crisis and had been diagnosed with unspecified psychosis at an inpatient facility. She was released after five days and placed in a taxi. Her husband had reported her missing, and doorbell cameras showed her appearing confused in the days that followed. Toxicology recorded a blood-alcohol level of .089.
Fisher’s most pointed remark was that Moore probably could have lived through the heart condition with her medication. That line is what has people around the county asking hard questions about how inpatient facilities handle patients with both psychiatric and cardiac conditions, and whether anyone called her husband before she left. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains in the hands of local and state authorities.
What questions does this case raise for you about mental health care in our community?
