In a recent Style news article, the mother of 27-year-old Jeremiah Montoute demanded answers after her son died while under a Baker Act hold at LifeStream Behavioral Center in Leesburg.

LifeStream Behavioral Center has now responded to the allegations. Their full statement is as follows:

“LifeStream Behavioral Center extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who recently passed away at a local hospital after receiving care at our Leesburg inpatient facility. We understand that any loss of life is deeply painful, and we grieve with the family during this difficult time. 

However, we feel it is important to address recent media coverage and clarify the circumstances surrounding this event. Based on the investigative report of the Leesburg Police Department and medical documentation, the individual tragically passed from natural causes. At no point was there evidence of neglect or wrongdoing by our staff. 

Upon noticing the patient in distress, LifeStream staff responded immediately and in accordance with established clinical protocols. Emergency medical assistance was called without delay, and our team provided continuous care until EMS arrived. 

Our staff should be commended for their professionalism, urgency, and compassion in responding to this critical situation. Their actions reflect the high standards of care we uphold at LifeStream. In a moment of crisis, they did everything within their power to help, and their diligence and swift response deserve recognition and praise– our team took immediate and decisive action in an effort to safeguard the individual’s well-being. 

While this death was medically determined to be from natural causes, we remain committed to continuous review and improvement. Our clinical leadership has thoroughly assessed the case, and no violations of policy or procedure were found. 

LifeStream is proud to hold a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabili-tation Facilities (CARF)—a distinction that reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and safety. CARF accreditation is not automatic; it requires a rigorous evaluation process and consistent demonstration of high standards across all levels of care. Maintaining this accreditation is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our staff, who strive each day to provide effective, compassionate, and accountable services. 

LifeStream welcomes accountability and is fully cooperating with all relevant regulatory bodies as part of our ongoing commitment to excellence and community trust.

About LifeStream Behavioral Center 

For over 50 years, LifeStream Behavioral Center has served the residents of Lake, Sumter, Marion, Orange, Hernando and Citrus counties with high-quality, compassionate behavioral health services. Our mission is to provide hope and healing through a full continuum of care including crisis stabilization, outpatient ser-vices, residential programs, and integrated primary care. 

LifeStream Behavioral Center proudly served more than 41,000 individuals during the last fiscal year across six counties in Central Florida. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, LifeStream offers a compre-hensive range of programs in mental health, substance use treatment, and essential social services—including homeless outreach and housing support. As a vital part of the community, LifeStream remains committed to providing care to all individuals, regardless of income or ability to pay. 

Recently, LifeStream launched Same Day Access to Care through its Enrichment and Wellness Centers in Citrus and Lake Counties. These centers allow individuals to receive a same-day assessment and prompt connection to appropriate services—ensuring quicker access to treatment and more personalized care pathways. This initiative is part of LifeStream’s larger mission to revitalize the system of care with a focus on each individual’s unique needs and goals. 

We are deeply focused on delivering high-quality, compassionate care and making it easier for those seeking support to enter the right programs from the start. Our efforts are aimed at improving lives, strengthening communities, and setting individuals up for long-term success. 

We are proud to be the trusted behavioral healthcare partner for over 41,000 individuals—and that number continues to grow each day.”