Family Seeks Answers and Better Protection for Vulnerable Residents

Kristen Spencer expressed deep concern and heartbreak, questioning how her father could have entered a secure area unnoticed for hours. “If I hadn’t checked the camera and called, when would they have even realized he was missing?” she asked.

While Kristen said her father’s stay had been mostly positive, she noted that there had been small warning signs in recent weeks that now feel impossible to ignore.

In a public statement, The Waverly Assisted Living expressed its “deep sadness and sympathy” to the Ray family. The facility emphasized that the safety and well-being of residents remain top priorities, and it rejected several false claims circulating online, praising staff for their professionalism and quick response once Gene was found.

Friends and family remember Gene Ray as a gentle, hardworking man who never raised his voice and devoted much of his life to serving others. His loss has left an irreplaceable void. The family hopes that the ongoing investigation will bring answers, accountability, and change—ensuring that no other family has to endure such a heartbreaking tragedy again.