Mother sues Mount Nittany after 24-year-old son’s death, alleges negligence
A lawsuit filed Tuesday by a Centre County mother alleged negligence caused the death of her son, a State College Area High School alumnus who was well-known in the local hockey community.
Misty Dickson said in the lawsuit that her son Kaleb S. Barth, 24, was improperly discharged in February 2025 from Mount Nittany Medical Center despite worsening vital signs. He was found dead five days later in his apartment.
A Mount Nittany Health spokesperson declined comment on the lawsuit Wednesday, saying in an email that the health system does not comment on pending litigation.
“At Mount Nittany Health, the safety and well-being of everyone on our campuses — patients, visitors, staff and partners — remains a top priority,” the spokesperson said.
According to the lawsuit, Barth went to the emergency department for numbness in his hands and feet, foot pain, loss of balance and calf pain. He reported a history of alcohol abuse and daily smoking, an attorney wrote.
After a host of medical tests, the lawsuit said an emergency room physician noted Barth showed signs of dehydration, low potassium and liver elevations. A registered nurse allegedly documented the physician was aware of Barth’s blood pressure and heart rate, but was OK with him being discharged about six hours after he arrived.
Barth was then scheduled to meet with a primary care physician about a month later, but instead died in March of a pulmonary embolism.
“As a result of defendants’ carelessness and negligence, Kaleb Barth was misunderstood, underappreciated, delayed and mismanaged while he was a patient at Mount Nittany Medical Center,” attorneys wrote in the lawsuit.
Dickson, of College Township, is seeking more than $50,000. The lawsuit includes 13 counts, including allegations of negligence and wrongful death.
“This is a truly tragic case where we will show that Kaleb did not receive the emergency room care he deserved,” attorney Derek R. Layser said in a text message to the Centre Daily Times. “He needed to be admitted and required a more thorough diagnostic medical work-up. We look forward to getting answers in the lawsuit and justice for Kaleb’s parents.”
Barth, the eldest of nine siblings, was remembered in his obituary as caring and competitive. A Pittsburgh Penguins fan, his “true passion” was ice hockey. He also collected sports cards, designer shoes and clothing.
He graduated from State High in 2019 and was pursuing his associate degree at South Hills to begin a career in architectural engineering and design. Barth was slated to graduate in May 2025.
“Kaleb had a big heart. He was a great listener, kind and caring, always there for his friends and family when they needed him,” his obituary read. “... Kaleb was always up for going on road trips and adventures coming out of each one with great memories, humorous stories to tell and an even bigger hangover. He would always find ways to celebrate the joys of life.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2026 at 2:33 PM.