At a Glance
- Patrick Clancy filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against several medical providers after the deaths of his three children.
- The complaint alleges his wife was prescribed eight powerful medications in a three-week span from Nov. 16 to Dec. 5, 2022.
- A trial is scheduled to begin on July 20, with defense plans to argue postpartum psychosis.
The lawsuit, filed by Patrick Clancy on behalf of the estates of his children-Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months-claims that a rapid succession of prescription drugs contributed to the deaths of the trio. Patrick contends that his wife, Lindsay Clancy, received at least nine different medications in the months leading up to the tragedy.
The Lawsuit
Patrick’s complaint lists the children’s names and ages, noting that the family lost Cora and Dawson shortly after a hospital visit and Callan a few days later. He argues that the doctors’ failure to monitor the effects of the medications was a direct cause of the deaths. The filing states: “If Defendants had not acted negligently, and rather had provided adequate care, it is more likely than not that Patrick and Lindsay’s children would still be alive today.”
Medication Timeline
Lindsay’s medication history, as outlined in the complaint, began with Sertraline (Zoloft). She did not take the drug for a month, then started, reporting feeling “awful” and experiencing insomnia. After a month of little sleep, she visited an emergency room and was prescribed trazodone.
Over the next three weeks-between Nov. 16 and Dec. 5, 2022-she received the following eight prescriptions:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Zolpidem tartrate (Ambien)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Quetiapine fumarate (Seroquel)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- (The eighth medication is not named in the complaint.)
Patrick accuses the providers of prescribing a “bevy of diverse and powerful medications” while failing to adequately monitor her responses.
Defendants and Statements
One named defendant is South Shore Health, where Patrick’s mother worked. The practice issued a statement: “South Shore Health cares deeply about and prioritizes the safety of our patients and our families and always strives to provide excellent care. Given that this matter is now in litigation, we cannot comment on the specific allegations contained in the lawsuit.”
Trial and Allegations
Lindsay is scheduled to stand trial on July 20. Her defense team intends to pursue an insanity defense, arguing that she was experiencing postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors counter that Lindsay carefully planned and plotted the killings by sending Patrick out of the house before the murders.
Patrick returned home 25 minutes after a call from his wife, only to find her having jumped from the second-story bedroom window on Jan. 24, 2023. He also discovered that the children had been strangled with exercise bands tied around their necks.
Family Response
Patrick has publicly stated that he forgives his wife while urging members of the public to do the same. He has urged the community to approach the situation with compassion, despite the gravity of the crimes.
Key Takeaways
- The lawsuit alleges a rapid prescription of eight medications contributed to the deaths of three children.
- The trial will begin on July 20, with a defense of postpartum psychosis and a prosecution claiming premeditation.
- South Shore Health denies the allegations and has declined to comment further.
The case underscores the complexities of medical oversight and the legal ramifications when prescription practices intersect with tragic outcomes.
