Kent v. Whitaker

In an action to recover damages for the suicide of Carol M. Kent, there was a judgment upon a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs. The appellant, John L. Whitaker, defendant in the trial court, is a physician and was the superintendent of the Pierce County Hospital at the time of the tragedy. The action is brought by the personal representatives of the deceased for the benefit of her surviving children. Dr. Whitaker appeals.

Mrs. Kent was a widow, forty-one years of age, who, until her death, was a teacher in the Eatonville public schools. On the morning in question, she attempted suicide in…