The daughter of an elderly man who police allege was murdered by a nurse at a long-term care facility in London more than two years ago said she had concerns about her father’s care before his death in 2014.
Susan Horvath’s father, Arpad Horvath, was a patient at the Meadow Park long-term care facility in London before he died in August 2014 at the age of 75.
On Tuesday, police announced that Horvath is one of eight patients who were allegedly murdered while in the care of a 49-year-old registered nurse from Woodstock.
Police said the alleged victims, who with the exception of Horvath were all patients at the Caressant Care long-term care home in Woodstock, were killed over a seven-year period spanning from 2007 to 2014.
During a news conference Tuesday, police said the victims died after the nurse allegedly “administered a drug.”
Investigators would not say what drug was used or provide a motive for the alleged killings.
Horvath was 'nervous' at nursing home, daughter says
Speaking to CP24 Wednesday, Horvath’s daughter said she was alarmed by her father’s behaviour when she would go to visit him at the nursing home.
“He was very nervous. He was always twitching his finger and biting his nail,” she said, adding that she sensed her father was fearful.
Horvath said the news has taken a toll on her family.
“I haven’t slept in, let me think, over a week or so correctly,” she said
“People are suffering here. It is affecting our health and everything.”
Horvath described her father, who immigrated to Canada from Hungary, as a “hard worker.”
“He was a leader, that’s for sure. There is no doubt about it,” she said.
“I tried everything to step in his footsteps because I admired my dad and I admired his guts and his strength and his determination.”
Family friend says Horvath had 'strong work ethic'
In an emailed statement sent to CTV News on Wednesday, Dr. Johan Gall described Horvath, who was a close friend to his family for many years, as a “community leader.”
“He was the owner/operator of Central Tool and Die in London and president of our cultural centre,” Gall added.
“He respected a strong work ethic. He employed immigrant workers of all nationalities to allow them to get a foothold in Canada. He appreciated the opportunities that Canada provided to people who were prepared to work.”
In his spare time, Gall said Horvath, who owned two farms, loved to hunt and travel the world.
“He travelled across Europe, Canada, Africa and many other places pursuing his passion for the outdoors,” he said.
Gall said he was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the circumstances around Horvath’s death.
“I pray for his family who have to relive his passing,” Gall said.
The woman accused of murdering Horvath, 49-year-old Elizabeth Tracey Mae Wettlaufer, is facing eight counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths in London and Woodstock.
She appeared in court on Tuesday and has been remanded into custody.
