In a tragic turn of events, 26-year-old Jean Descamps from Oregon died less than an hour after being discharged from Providence Milwaukie Hospital, despite officers expressing concerns about his health. Bodycam footage released by the Milwaukie Police Department sheds light on the series of events that led to Descamps' untimely demise.

On December 12, Descamps was found slumped in a hospital bed, his gaunt legs covered in scabs and sores, showing signs of "failure to thrive," a term usually applied to children who struggle to gain weight. Hospital staff determined that there was "no medical reason" for him to remain hospitalized, despite his apparent distress.

After Descamps refused an offer for a ride to a homeless shelter, local police were called to remove him from the premises. The footage shows officers helping Descamps into a wheelchair and placing him in a police cruiser before transporting him to Unity Behavioral Health Hospital in Portland.

Less than an hour later, tragedy struck as Descamps fell unconscious in the back of the police car. Attempts to revive him proved unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The preliminary findings from the medical examiner suggest a potential drug overdose with contributing natural causes.

The released footage has sparked outrage and raised questions about the hospital's discharge procedures. Officers expressed their concern about Descamps' condition and their belief that he required further care. However, hospital staff maintained that his situation was behavioral rather than medical, leading to his discharge.

Providence, the hospital where Descamps was initially admitted, expressed remorse and issued a statement acknowledging their failure to provide appropriate care. They vowed to conduct an internal review in collaboration with their emergency doctors and the Oregon Health Authority to improve their response and ensure the safety of vulnerable patients in the future.

Advocates for the homeless have decried Descamps' death as preventable and highlight the need for stronger protections for homeless patients. Jimmy Jones, executive director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, expressed his anger and emphasized that the hospital bed Descamps was in should have been the safest place for him.

Descamps' mother, Desiree Descamps, expressed her disappointment and believed her son needed serious medical help. She attributed his downfall to drugs and the difficulties of living on the streets, hoping that he would receive the assistance he desperately needed.

The tragedy serves as a reminder of the complex challenges faced by the homeless population and the necessity for improved healthcare protocols and support systems. The incident has sparked a renewed call for legislative action to protect vulnerable individuals from facing similar fates in the future.