Family accuses Miami-Dade Fire Rescue of leaving woman to die to answer another call

The family of Tasheba Anderson, a 52-year-old mother from Miami, Florida, alleges firefighters left her to die while in critical condition. The first responders are now under investigation.

Tasheba Anderson had a medical crisis

Two weeks ago, Anderson suffered severe stomach pain, a recurring issue that had previously sent her to the hospital. Paramedics from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to a 911 call and arrived at her Opa-Locka home and began treating her. However, they suddenly left after receiving a call for a nearby fire, her family alleges. Anderson, known for speaking her mind, pleaded for help as firefighters left. Moments later, she lost consciousness, her family said.

Responders allegedly left then returned

When the firefighters finally returned to Anderson’s home, they were met with frustration and tension escalated with Anderson’s family. “They were mad because [my brother and cousin] kept asking them, ‘Why did y’all leave?'” Audrey Bend, Anderson’s sister said to CBS Miami. Bend then says a firefighter allegedly threw Anderson’s ID on the ground after her cousin handed it to her. Firefighters eventually transported Anderson to a nearby hospital, where she passed away, leaving behind her 21-year-old son.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is under investigation

“I’ve never heard this in my life and I’m 69 years old,” Bend said. “I’ve never heard of a firefighter leaving someone. This is what we pay you for, to protect us.” Anderson’s cause of death was not revealed. Six months prior, she had undergone gastric bypass surgery, but her family had not noticed any complications. “I feel like something could have worked out if they just did their job, not just go and leave her and say, ‘I’ll be back.’What fire rescue does that?” she added. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue released a statement confirming the investigation. “MDFR is conducting an internal investigation and we are currently unable to provide further details at this time.”