Daniel Ridge, a former morgue attendant at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California, was awarded $2.4 million in March 2025 after an Alameda County jury found that Alameda Health System had wrongfully terminated him while he was on medical leave. However, Ridge was not present at the trial, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.
A Life Marked by Trauma
Ridge’s struggles began in his youth in Southern California, where he witnessed the deaths of six close friends due to gang violence. In his 20s, he saw his uncle killed by a co-worker who set him on fire with a Molotov cocktail. These experiences led to undiagnosed and untreated PTSD, which affected his personal and professional life.
Employment and Allegations
Hired in 2006 as a part-time morgue attendant, Ridge took on full-time duties in 2013 after a colleague’s retirement. He worked seven days a week without receiving full-time pay or benefits, including health insurance. Ridge raised concerns about his workload, safety issues, and sanitation practices at the hospital. He also requested respiratory equipment due to exposure to formaldehyde but was not provided with any for about 17 months.
Medical Leave and Termination
In September 2015, Ridge was diagnosed with PTSD and depression and placed on medical leave. Upon returning to work in November 2015 with Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork, he was informed that his employment had been terminated. Ridge filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, which culminated in the March 2025 jury award.
The Search for Ridge
Ridge’s attorneys have been unable to locate him, suspecting he may be among the many homeless individuals in Oakland. Lawrence A. Bohm, his attorney, stated that finding Ridge would require a significant effort due to the large number of unhoused individuals in the area. Donald Whitehead, executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, noted that shelters have limitations on the information they can provide, making it challenging to locate individuals within the system.
Alameda Health System’s Response
Alameda Health System has expressed disagreement with the jury’s verdict and is considering an appeal. In a statement, the system emphasized its commitment to employee health but maintained that Ridge’s allegations were not supported by facts.
This case highlights the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues in the workplace and the complexities involved in seeking justice when the affected party is not present.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, KQED, The Industry Dot Biz
Homeless man Picture on Wikimedia by Sardaka
