WeHo Attorney Who Contracted Meningitis Dies
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Brett Shaad, the West Hollywood attorney who contracted meningitis, has died.
His brother, Brian Shaad, issued a statement on Saturday evening regarding the family's decision to remove Brett from life support at Cedars-Sinai.
"Tonight our family made the incredibly difficult decision to remove my brother Brett from life support. He died peacefully surrounded by our family and friends," said Shaad.
"Brett was an extraordinary person. He was a loving son, brother and grandson, an attorney with a deep passion for social justice, and a dear friend to so many people. We cannot believe that this wonderful person is gone. We love you Brett."
The family said he was removed from life support Saturday at 6:24 pm and passed away at 6:42 pm.
West Hollywood City Council Member John Duran told reporters Shaad died on Friday evening and his family was outraged at what they called a disregard for privacy.
A spokesperson for the family, Elizabeth Ashford, issued the following statement Saturday. "The Shaad family asks for privacy at this painful time, which has been made more devastating by irresponsible and inaccurate reports on the circumstances of Brett's death. The family wants, and will pursue, answers for how and why this happened."
According to his Facebook profile, Brett Shaad currently worked as an associate broker with KW Commercial and as an associate attorney with Claery & Green, LLP.
He graduated Boston College in 2002, the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2007 and Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California in 1998.
Brett Shaad was 33.
On Sunday, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is expected to announce that they will provide free meningitis vaccines for anyone who believes they have been exposed or anyone who thinks they are at risk, starting Monday, April 15th.
Vaccines will be provided at AHF Pharmacy locations in West Hollywood (8212 Santa Monica Blvd. 90046), Hollywood (6210 Sunset Blvd. 90028) and the AHF Hollywood Men's Wellness Center (1300 N. Vermont Ave., Suite 407, 90027).
