The sudden death and cremation of Houston philanthropist Jessica Rossman in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, have sparked a legal dispute and left her family searching for answers about how she died and why they weren’t informed.
Questions remain unanswered, and a potential legal confrontation is developing following the unexpected death and subsequent cremation of 56-year-old Houston attorney and philanthropist Jessica Rossman. Rossman passed away on March 31 during a procedure at a clinic in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
According to her brother, Lucho Rossman, her body was cremated and handed over to her longtime partner, former Continental Airlines CEO Gordon Bethune, without any notification to her family.
“I was unaware of the location of my sister’s body until Wednesday,” he stated in an interview with the Houston Chronicle. “I was anticipating an autopsy to gain clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
A death certificate from Mexico has revealed that the cause of death was attributed to pulmonary edema and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition. Lucho Rossman stated that his sister had no prior history of heart problems, and earlier laboratory tests indicated that she was in good health.
He challenges the assertion in the document regarding Jessica's status in a common-law marriage, emphasizing that she had never indicated a wish to be cremated and that an autopsy was not performed before the disposal of her remains.
Lucho Rossman has filed a temporary restraining order in the 269th District Court of Harris County, aiming to prevent Bethune from making further decisions regarding her remains. The hearing is set to take place on May 9 and continues to be listed on the court docket.
Attorney David Shepherd, who is representing Bethune, stated that his client believes Jessica Rossman passed away at the clinic. There remains uncertainty regarding whether Bethune requested an autopsy before the cremation took place.
The clinic involved in the procedure has yet to issue a public statement regarding the circumstances surrounding her death or the administration of medication before the event.
The passing of Rossman has sent shockwaves through her family and the Houston community, leaving many in disbelief. Recognized for her legal contributions and dedication to philanthropy, she became a prominent presence in both civic and charitable communities.
“I simply seek to understand what transpired,” stated Lucho Rossman. “Many believe this is not the conclusion her narrative deserved.”
