Family of late Congressman Hagedorn sues widow over medical expenses

(KSTP) – Family members of the late Minnesota Congressman Jim Hagedorn have sued his widow for medical expenses.

Hagedorn died in February at the age of 59 following a long battle with kidney cancer.

Two lawsuits filed by his sister, mother and stepfather say Hagedorn and his widow, Jennifer Carnahan, asked for their help paying for his treatment in Arizona after Mayo Clinic said it had exhausted its options for treating him in January.

Hagedorn’s sister says she paid $10,000 for his treatment and was promised that she’d be reimbursed by Carnahan. Likewise, Hagedorn’s mother and stepfather claim that they got a loan on the equity in their home to help pay for the treatment, which ended up costing $10,383, and they were also promised by Carnahan that they’d be reimbursed.

Family members of the late Minnesota Congressman Jim Hagedorn have sued his widow for medical expenses.

Hagedorn died in February at the age of 59 following a long battle with kidney cancer.

Two lawsuits filed by his sister, mother and stepfather say Hagedorn and his widow, Jennifer Carnahan, asked for their help paying for his treatment in Arizona after Mayo Clinic said it had exhausted its options for treating him in January.

Hagedorn’s sister says she paid $10,000 for his treatment and was promised that she’d be reimbursed by Carnahan. Likewise, Hagedorn’s mother and stepfather claim that they got a loan on the equity in their home to help pay for the treatment, which ended up costing $10,383, and they were also promised by Carnahan that they’d be reimbursed.

In a statement, Carnahan called the lawsuits “a political stunt,” adding that Hagedorn’s estate has to go through the probate process first but wishing Hagedorn’s family well.

Carnahan’s full statement regarding the lawsuits is below:

“Grief affects everyone differently. Handling the affairs of my husband’s estate should be a private matter. It’s unfortunate a very simple process has been turned into a political stunt. Jim’s estate is required to go through the probate process and the courts will determine the disposition of assets in accordance with Minnesota law. There is nothing further we are allowed to do at this time. I wish Jim’s family well and know this time has been very difficult for all of us.”