Family files lawsuit after woman allegedly chokes to death at suburban group home

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 7:43PM
Woman chokes to death at suburban group home: lawsuit

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. (WLS) -- A family is demanding answers after filing a wrongful death lawsuit against a suburban group home.

They say 34-year-old Emily Kasanga, who had a disability, choked to death in April, after staff failed to follow her care plan.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

It happened at Clearbrook, which operates the Rolling Meadows Community Integrated Living Arrangement, or CILA, home.

SEE ALSO: LAPD found not liable for officer's fatal shooting of 14-year-old girl in Burlington store

It serves adults with developmental disabilities.

The lawsuit claims Kasanga was left alone while eating, even though her care plan required constant supervision during meals.

Kasanga's family says they hope the case leads to stronger protections for people living in Illinois group homes.

Clearbrook did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.