LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — In a heartbreaking plea to the community, a mother from Lincoln County is imploring anyone with relevant information to come forward following the tragic death of her son, Clay Wooten, on November 3rd.
As recounted by Lauralee Yocom, her 28-year-old son was admitted to UK Hospital for serious treatment related to a mental health crisis that began on November 1st. “We understood that Clay needed urgent help for his mental health struggles, which is why we brought him to UK Hospital,” Yocom explained, highlighting the family’s commitment to seeking care.
Plans had been established to transfer Wooten to Eastern State Hospital for more intensive treatment. However, Yocom expressed concern that her son was unexpectedly moved from a secure hospital room to a different area of UK Hospital. This particular relocation was critical, as it was at that moment that Wooten managed to escape, running towards the train tracks along Transcript Avenue.
On November 3rd, just after 1 p.m., Yocom detailed the alarming scene: “This happened in broad daylight. He was wearing only a hospital gown, he was barefoot, and he was running away.” Such a distressing sight raised numerous questions about the safeguards in place for vulnerable patients.
According to Yocom, it was no more than 20 minutes later when UK Police found her son and returned him to the hospital. However, she recalled a shocking twist upon his return: “When they brought him back to UK Hospital in the pickup truck, he was severely injured with massive head trauma and wounds that ultimately led to his death,” she said, emphasizing the preventable nature of the tragedy.
The devastating news of Wooten’s passing left the family reeling in shock and sorrow. When they sought clarity about the circumstances surrounding his death, Yocom stated hospital staff informed them that he succumbed to lacerations on his neck—information that has since raised even more questions in her mind.
Currently, the coroner’s report regarding Wooten’s death has yet to be released and remains open for investigation, adding to the family’s distress. “I feel that no one is being very transparent with us,” lamented Yocom, reflecting her deep frustration.
As she navigates her grief, Yocom’s skepticism regarding the information shared with her intensifies. With a desperate need for clarity about the events that transpired between Wooten’s escape and his return to the hospital, Yocom is urging local community members residing near UK Hospital to review their security cameras and any Ring footage. “Someone had to see something. Someone knows something,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “I need answers, and I will not rest until I have these answers.”
How can families effectively advocate for their loved ones when they are seeking mental health treatment?
**Interview with Lauralee Yocom, Mother of Clay Wooten**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Lauralee. We’re deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of your son, Clay. Can you tell us more about the circumstances leading up to his death?
**Lauralee Yocom:** Thank you for having me. Clay had been struggling with mental health issues, and as a family, we recognized that he needed urgent help. That’s why we brought him to UK Hospital on November 1st. We felt hopeful that he would receive the care he needed there.
**Editor:** You mentioned that there were plans for Clay to be transferred to Eastern State Hospital for more intensive treatment. What happened during his time at UK Hospital that caused concern?
**Lauralee Yocom:** Yes, we had discussions about transferring him; we thought it was a positive step. However, we were alarmed when we learned that Clay was relocated from a secure room to another area of the hospital without our knowledge. That was a pivotal moment—just moments after the move, he escaped toward the train tracks.
**Editor:** That sounds incredibly distressing. What are you hoping the community can do in the wake of this tragedy?
**Lauralee Yocom:** I’m pleading with anyone who may have seen anything, who may know something—please come forward. We need answers about what happened that day. It’s important for us to understand how Clay could have accessed such unsafe areas and how we can prevent this from happening to other families in the future.
**Editor:** Your courage in sharing this difficult experience is commendable. Is there a message you’d like to share with families who may be dealing with similar struggles?
**Lauralee Yocom:** Yes, I want to emphasize the importance of mental health awareness and the need for transparent communication between families and healthcare providers. It’s crucial that facilities ensure the safety of their patients, especially those in vulnerable situations. We need to advocate for better protections and procedures to keep our loved ones safe.
**Editor:** Thank you, Lauralee, for sharing your story and for being an advocate for mental health. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
