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Waterbury Today
By the People, for the People
Windsor Locks Nursing Home Owes $100K in Back Taxes After Resident's Death
Police continue investigating the early-morning timeline of 93-year-old Margaret Healey's death as the facility faces a pending tax sale.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Margaret "Peggy" Healey, a 93-year-old retired teacher, died on February 8, 2026, after being found outside the Bickford Health Care Center in Windsor Locks, Connecticut during extreme cold. Police are investigating the timeline of events leading up to her death, as the nursing home facility faces over $100,000 in delinquent municipal taxes and a pending tax sale.
Why it matters
This incident raises concerns about the quality of care and oversight at the Bickford Health Care Center, as well as the facility's financial stability and potential impact on residents. The investigation into Healey's death could uncover issues with the nursing home's safety protocols and procedures, while the outstanding tax debt suggests broader operational challenges.
The details
Police said staff discovered Healey missing from her bed around 4:45 a.m. and found her outside the building later, claiming she had a pulse. However, 911 was not called until 6:23 a.m., and Healey was pronounced dead at 6:46 a.m. Healey had Alzheimer's and dementia and was known to wander, wearing a body alarm device intended to alert staff if she exited the building. Detectives are reviewing the device's functionality and surveillance footage to establish a timeline. The Connecticut Department of Public Health has been notified and is involved in the review.
- Around 4:45 a.m. on February 8, 2026, staff discovered Healey missing from her bed.
- Healey was later found outside the building, with staff claiming she had a pulse.
- 911 was not called until 6:23 a.m. on February 8, 2026.
- Healey was pronounced dead at 6:46 a.m. on February 8, 2026.
The players
Bickford Health Care Center
The nursing home facility where Healey resided and where the incident occurred.
Lt. Paul Cherniack
A Windsor Locks Police Department officer who outlined the key timeline details during a press conference.
Margaret "Peggy" Healey
A 93-year-old retired teacher and longtime Waterbury resident who died after being found outside the Bickford Health Care Center.
Newport Bickford Inc.
The owner of the Bickford Health Care Center property, which owes over $100,000 in delinquent municipal taxes.
What’s next
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has been notified and is involved in reviewing the matter. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of Healey's death. A special meeting has been scheduled for next Monday evening with family members, state lawmakers, and a long-term care ombudsman to address complaints related to the incident.
The takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in nursing home operations, particularly when it comes to resident safety and well-being. The outstanding tax debt and pending tax sale of the Bickford Health Care Center property also raise concerns about the facility's financial stability and its ability to provide adequate care for its residents.
