Wisconsin COVID Death Trial Could Change Everything

Family alleges hospital imposed DNR without consent in case that could set national precedent for COVID-19 treatment lawsuits.

APPLETON, Wis. — A historic trial is underway in Outagamie County where a jury is weighing a wrongful death lawsuit involving 19-year-old Grace Schara, who died while being treated for COVID-19 at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton in 2021. The case, brought by Grace’s family, alleges that the hospital imposed a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order without family consent and overmedicated her with sedatives, ultimately leading to her death.

I left mainstream media to bring you the real stories lke this that they ignore—if you value my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber for just 96 cents a week to help me keep going.

This marks the first jury trial in the country involving a COVID-19 death officially listed as such on a death certificate.

Grace, who had Down syndrome, was admitted in stable condition, according to court filings. Her father, Scott Schara, contends she was improperly placed in the ICU, sedated without informed consent, and later administered a cocktail of medications—Precedex, lorazepam, and morphine—that led to respiratory failure. The lawsuit accuses the hospital and staff of negligence, lack of informed consent, and medical battery.

Court observer Stacy Ograyensek, whose own husband died under similar circumstances during the pandemic, has been present throughout the proceedings. In an interview, she said: “They strapped Grace to a bed, sedated her heavily, and removed her advocate for over 40 hours. She was never alone in her life until the hospital kicked her father out.”

Ograyensek told me about hearing harrowing courtroom details, including that Grace was not placed on a ventilator, had stable oxygen levels, and yet was injected with three powerful sedatives within minutes. “The nurse had one patient that day—Grace. Her sister pleaded for help when Grace’s oxygen dropped, but was told, ‘She’s a DNR. We can’t,’” she said. “Her parents watched their daughter die on FaceTime, begging for help.”

Ascension, which operates St. Elizabeth Hospital, denies all allegations. In a statement, the hospital said:

“Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital denies each and every one of the family’s claims. Grace Schara’s medical records speak for themselves. Her death may have been the result of a naturally progressing disease, a pre-existing condition, or another cause outside the hospital’s control.”

The trial has already seen emotional testimony from medical professionals, family members, and experts. Defense attorneys argue that Grace’s care met the medical standard and that her parents’ refusal to pre-authorize intubation contributed to the decision to place her on a DNR.

Ograyensek said the case goes beyond Grace. “This isn’t just about one family. It’s about how hospitals may have abused COVID funds, enforced one-size-fits-all protocols, and stripped people of consent and dignity,” she said.

The trial is expected to last several weeks. Legal experts say its outcome could set a precedent for similar COVID-related wrongful death suits across the country.