State investigators say surveillance video from a Denver assisted-living community shows staff took about 13 minutes to locate a resident who had collapsed and to begin CPR, a lag his widow calls deadly. The resident, 73-year-old Robert Dutkevitch, slumped from his wheelchair after heading out to a designated smoking patio on Jan. 6 and lay unresponsive for several minutes before staff started lifesaving efforts. The episode triggered a state enforcement action and fresh questions about training, staffing and basic monitoring at the long-standing facility.
State review of the footage and timeline
According to CBS Colorado, video reviewed by state investigators shows Dutkevitch going outside around 8:30 p.m. and collapsing roughly two minutes later. He remained on the patio for about eight minutes before another resident went inside to alert staff. Investigators say it was then roughly another five minutes before CPR was started. They concluded the total time from collapse to CPR was about 13 minutes and cited gaps in staff training and readiness.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment classified multiple violations at its most serious level, finding that all 125 Argyle residents were at immediate risk. Regulators issued an immediate $2,500 fine and ordered corrections. The facility told reporters it had addressed the problems and said the immediate-jeopardy designation was lifted on Feb. 12.
How the state enforces assisted-living rules
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment licenses and inspects assisted-living residences and can require plans of correction or impose fines when providers fall short of safety rules meant to protect residents. The agency’s online CDPHE “Find and Compare” tool lets families look up inspection results, citations and any plans of correction a facility has filed. In Dutkevitch’s case, investigators reported that Argyle staff did not continuously monitor the outdoor camera feed and that the facility had no formal process to supervise the patio when residents were outside.
Family reaction and possible legal action
“My heart aches. I cry every night,” Dutkevitch’s widow, Sharon, told investigators after viewing the surveillance footage. She said she believes her husband might have survived if staff had responded faster, according to CBS Colorado. The family’s attorney, Anita Springsteen, told reporters the response fell short of what families should be able to expect and said a lawsuit is likely as the family pushes for accountability and tighter monitoring of residents.
The Argyle’s public profile and changes since the incident
The Argyle’s website lists the community at 4115 W 38th Ave and highlights what it describes as resident-centered services and activities. The Argyle declined to answer questions in an on-camera interview but has said it rolled out additional staff training, new communication protocols and added oversight measures after the incident. The facility also told investigators that it no longer accepts residents who smoke and now closes the outdoor smoking patio at 10 p.m. each night.
What families can do if they have concerns
Relatives worried about conditions at any licensed assisted-living residence can review inspection histories and file complaints through the state’s online systems or through Denver’s local public-health channels. The CDPHE dashboard shows recent surveys, citations and providers’ plans of correction, and it explains how to submit a complaint directly to the agency. For urgent safety concerns inside Denver, residents can also call the city’s 3-1-1 service to flag issues while state officials at CDPHE continue their investigation.
