The FULL Story

Rachel Bundy had been sick on and off during the winter season of 2004-2005. With each illness she had been fully treated and had fully recovered.

A Stiff Neck and Visits to the Chiropractor
Around the beginning of February 2005, Rachel started to develop a stiff neck with accompanying headaches. Terece took Rachel to a chiropractor on February 14, who confirmed that Rachel's neck was indeed very out of place and that headaches were to be expected with her neck in the condition it was; the symptoms Rachel was experiencing from February 4 through March 2 were consistent with an out-of-place, or "convalescing" neck.

The chiropractor further explained the importance of gradually working Rachel's neck into place to prevent damaging anything and that it could be expected to take a few weeks to completely recover.

Rachel was seeing the chiropractor right up until the time she passed away in March. She did not have the other common flu-like symptoms of meningitis such as fever, vomiting, etc. in fact, she was carrying on with life quite remarkably for having a recuperating neck.

Recuperating from the Stiff Neck
On February 17, Rachel was playing with cousins, riding scooters and roller blading. On February 21, she rode horses with friends. On Sunday February 27, she attended church, took part in sharing time, and played with cousins outdoors.

Flu Symptoms Appear
Three days later, on Wednesday March 2, Rachel became ill with flu-like symptoms. By the next day, Thursday March 3, the flu-like symptoms were very much subsiding and she was improved. Friday morning Rachel was up and about the house, but still regaining energy. Rachel decided she wanted to play indoors but made it clear she didn't want to be "cooped up in her room."

Terece took measures to help Rachel get comfortable, which included drawing her a warm bath. After relaxing in the tub, Rachel was finally ready to rest a bit. Terece propped up pillows so Rachel could sit up in bed. Rachel climbed in and Terece tucked her in, gave her some drinks to sip on, and asked her to drink as much as she could and try to rest. Terece then went about getting some housework and computer work done.

Her Breathing Stopped
About 10-15 minutes later Terece checked in on Rachel, who had laid herself down and was resting. Relieved, Terece tip-toed out of the room so as not to disturb her. Five to ten minutes after that, Terece checked back in on Rachel and found that she was not breathing. Terece, a Registered Nurse, began CPR on Rachel and placed a call to 911.

The Ambulance and the Hospital
While en route to the hospital, the ambulance crew was able to establish a response from Rachel. But then, to everyone's surprise the ambulance's engine suddenly died.

Efforts were temporarily hampered as they transferred Rachel to another ambulance that happened to be coming up the road transporting another patient to the hospital. Springville ambulance flagged down the other ambulance and they transferred Rachel to this ambulance, which took her the rest of the way to the hospital. All resuscitation efforts at the hospital were futile.

Conclusion
Terece had treating Rachel according to what she thought she had—the flu. Did Rachel have a stiff neck and headache to accompany the flu-like symptoms on Mar. 4th? Yes. Did Terece see that as alarming due to the fact that they had been working with this stiff neck for the past few weeks? No. And unfortunately, meningitis didn't even cross Terece's mind until the ER doctor sat down with her and explained that her daughter had just died from it.

An autopsy confirmed the cause of death to be bacterial meningitis. Her mother, Terece, is now being charged with negligent homicide.

Utah County Health Director says meningitis often displays flu-like symptoms (see article).

The Prosecuting Attorney, Donna Kelly, says she is charging Terece because she wants Terece "to seek treatment", but has not said for what. Additionally, over a year later, Donna Kelly is now saying Rachel died of dehydration, an accusation for which there seems to be no substantiation.

Friends and neighbors of Terece and Dorian Bundy say they are model parents. They are actively involved in their community. Both Terece and Dorian hold responsible callings in their LDS ward.