A retired NYPD sergeant with COVID-19 symptoms left a hospital “frustrated” with the care he received there — and was found dead on the Upper East Side just an hour later, police sources said Tuesday.
Cops found 56-year-old Yon Chang’s body near the intersection of East 77th Street and Park Avenue at around 6 a.m. Monday, according to sources.
Chang was suspected of having COVID-19 but “forcibly discharged himself” from the hospital hours before he was found dead — because he was unhappy with the care he received, the sources said.
It’s unclear what hospital Chang went to — or if he tested positive for the virus — but Lenox Hill Hospital is on 77th Street between Park and Lexington avenues. His cause of death was pending a Medical Examiner’s report.
The Sergeants Benevolent Association released a statement about Chang’s death, claiming he died from COVID-19.
“It is with much sadness that I announce the passing of Retired Sgt. Yon Chang, 56, of the 17 Precinct from Coronavirus on April 6, 2020,” the statement reads.
Chang was appointed to the NYPD in February 1994, promoted to sergeant in December 2006 and retired in February 2014, according to the union.
“Please keep Sgt. Chang and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the statement added.