COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A 91-year-old woman died after she was allegedly left outside in approximately 90-degree heat while suffering from a broken hip, according to Colorado Springs police and court documents.
Officers responded shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2025, after receiving a report involving an unresponsive woman outside a home on Hayman Terrace near Pikes Peak Avenue and South Circle Drive.
When officers arrived, they found Son Johnston, 91, lying unresponsive on the sidewalk outside the residence. The elderly woman was eventually taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Her daughter, Kim Johnston, 59, is now facing criminal charges in connection with her mother’s death.
Daughter Allegedly Left Mother Outside in Heat
According to court documents obtained by KRDO, Kim Johnston told Colorado Springs police that she had been annoyed with her mother that morning.
Investigators allege that Johnston opened the door and allowed her mother to crawl outside into the front yard. Son Johnston reportedly had a broken hip, yet she crawled outside on her own.
Johnston allegedly told police that she left a bottle of water and an umbrella with her mother. However, investigators reportedly did not find either item at the scene.
The elderly woman was also wearing long sleeves and pants while outside in the hot weather. Police say she remained outside for an extended period before her condition deteriorated.
Elderly Woman Cried for Help Before Emergency Call
The situation reportedly came to authorities’ attention after Kim Johnston heard her mother screaming for help. Johnston then called 911.
During the emergency call, she reportedly told a dispatcher that she believed her mother was dehydrated and was passing out. However, according to the court documents, Johnston allegedly indicated that she did not believe the situation was an emergency.
When paramedics arrived, Johnston reportedly told them that her mother had fallen several hours earlier and had been lying on rocks in the front yard.
Investigators later accused Johnston of caretaker neglect, alleging that her mother had been left on the floor for more than six hours following a fall.
The details presented in the court documents have raised serious questions about how long the elderly woman remained without adequate assistance.
Police Say Mother Was Left Vulnerable
The circumstances described by investigators are particularly concerning because of Son Johnston’s age and physical condition.
At 91 years old and suffering from a broken hip, she would have been especially vulnerable to the effects of heat and dehydration.
Instead of remaining indoors where she could have been monitored, authorities allege that she was allowed to crawl outside and was then left there for hours.
The combination of high temperatures, limited mobility and prolonged exposure ultimately preceded her medical emergency.
Police say Son Johnston suffered cardiac arrest before she was transported to the hospital. Her death has now resulted in serious criminal allegations against her daughter.
Daughter Faces Manslaughter and Negligent Death Charges
Kim Johnston has been charged with manslaughter and negligent death of an at-risk person. She is currently being held on a $4,000 bond.
The charges indicate that investigators believe Johnston’s actions or alleged failure to provide appropriate care played a role in her mother’s death.
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The case will now move through the court system, where prosecutors will have to establish the allegations against Johnston. The charges are accusations, and Johnston is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
Investigation Continues Into 91-Year-Old’s Death
Authorities have not indicated that the case is over, and the circumstances surrounding Son Johnston’s final hours remain central to the investigation.
Questions include how long she remained outside, what assistance was provided after her earlier fall and whether timely medical intervention could have changed the outcome.
The case also highlights the vulnerability of elderly people who depend on family members or caregivers for assistance with basic needs.
For Son Johnston’s family and those familiar with the case, the tragedy has left difficult questions about whether more could have been done to protect a 91-year-old woman who was already struggling with a serious injury.
As the legal proceedings continue, those questions will likely remain at the center of the case.
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