How Did Kenneka Jenkins Die?
Kenneka Jenkins, a 19-year-old high school student from Chicago, tragically lost her life at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare hotel in Rosemont, Illinois. Her death was ruled accidental by the medical examiner’s report. Jenkins had alcohol and topiramate in her system, which were thought to have contributed to her hypothermia.
The Rosemont police department stated that their investigation into Kenneka Jenkins’ death was incomplete. While they did not suspect foul play, questions and speculation surrounded the circumstances and police handling of the case. Jenkins’ family later filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hotel, which was settled in 2023 for an undisclosed amount.
The Events Leading to Jenkins’ Death
Kenneka Jenkins attended a private party at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare hotel on the night of September 8, 2017. Witnesses reported that she appeared intoxicated and was seen drinking cognac. Surveillance footage captured her staggering near the front desk and leaving an elevator on one of the lower floors. The last footage showed Jenkins entering the kitchen area, where the freezer was located. She was later reported missing by her friends, and her body was found in the freezer by a hotel employee. The temperature inside the freezer was approximately 34°F (1°C) when she was discovered.
Investigation and Lawsuit
Following Kenneka Jenkins’ controversial death, there was widespread speculation and scrutiny surrounding the circumstances of her tragic incident and the subsequent handling of the case by the authorities. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted a thorough investigation and determined that Jenkins’ death was an accident, attributing hypothermia as the cause of death.
During the investigation, toxicology tests revealed the presence of alcohol and topiramate, a prescription medication, in Jenkins’ system. While these substances were identified as contributing factors to her untimely demise, the medical examiner ultimately ruled her death as accidental.
In light of these findings, Jenkins’ mother pursued justice through a wrongful death lawsuit against the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare hotel, where the tragic incident occurred. The lawsuit alleged negligence on the part of the hotel in securing the freezer where Jenkins was found and conducting a proper search. These claims spurred a lengthy legal battle that culminated in 2023 with a settlement of $10 million. The defendants were found to be negligent in their duty to secure the kitchen area and thoroughly review the security camera footage, leading to the resolution of the highly publicized lawsuit.
