The Glenn Frey wrongful death lawsuit is a medical malpractice case brought by the Eagles co-founder’s widow, Cindy Frey, against Mount Sinai Hospital and gastroenterologist Dr. Steven Itzkowitz in New York County Supreme Court. Filed in January 2018, the suit alleges that negligent care in late 2015 contributed to Frey’s death on January 18, 2016. In February 2026, a unanimous Appellate Division panel affirmed the denial of the defendants’ motion for summary judgment, clearing the way for the case to proceed toward trial.1FindLaw. Cindy Frey v. Steven Itzkowitz
Who Was Sued and What the Complaint Alleges
Cindy Frey filed the case on January 16, 2018, two days before New York’s two-year wrongful death statute of limitations would have run. The defendants are Mount Sinai Hospital and Dr. Steven Itzkowitz, a gastroenterologist who treated Glenn Frey.2VOA News. Widow of Eagles Guitarist Glenn Frey Sues New York Hospital for Wrongful Death The case carries index number 805014/18.1FindLaw. Cindy Frey v. Steven Itzkowitz
The complaint targets care Frey received between October 19 and November 2015. According to the lawsuit, the defendants failed to promptly and properly treat Frey’s ulcerative colitis and related bowel conditions, failed to assess him for respiratory issues, failed to diagnose and treat an infection, and failed to adequately inform Frey and his wife of the risks, side effects, and alternatives associated with his treatment. The complaint alleges that as a result Frey “was rendered sick, sore, lame and disabled” and suffered pain and mental anguish before his death.3NBC News. Widow of Eagles Co-Founder Glenn Frey Files Wrongful Death Suit
Frey was 67 when he died. The Eagles’ official statement listed his cause of death as complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia.4Eagles. Glenn Frey Mount Sinai spokeswoman Lucia Lee said the hospital “does not comment on pending litigation.”2VOA News. Widow of Eagles Guitarist Glenn Frey Sues New York Hospital for Wrongful Death
What the Estate Is Seeking
The estate is asking for $12 million per year for each year Frey would have lived absent the alleged malpractice, a figure tied to his projected earnings from performance fees and merchandising. The claim also seeks damages for pain and suffering.5Page Six. Judge Denies Widow’s Request to Seal Glenn Frey Wrongful Death Suit
How the Case Reached the Appellate Division
The litigation moved slowly. By late 2021, the defendants had filed a motion seeking dismissal.6Law360. Law360’s Tort Report: Dismissal Bid in Glenn Frey Death Suit On April 2, 2025, Justice Kathy J. King of the Supreme Court, New York County, denied the defendants’ motion for summary judgment. The defendants appealed to the Appellate Division, First Department.1FindLaw. Cindy Frey v. Steven Itzkowitz
The February 2026 Appellate Ruling
On February 19, 2026, a unanimous panel of Justices Manzanet-Daniels, Friedman, Chan, and Hagler affirmed the lower court. The panel acknowledged that the defendants had established a prima facie case for summary judgment but held that the plaintiff’s expert gastroenterologist raised triable issues of fact. The expert’s testimony created genuine questions about whether the defendants departed from the standard of care by failing to order an immediate colectomy and by failing to inform Frey of the risks of continuing his medications.1FindLaw. Cindy Frey v. Steven Itzkowitz
The panel also noted that while the lower court had erroneously referenced an “informed consent” cause of action, the error was harmless because the underlying allegations were relevant to the medical malpractice claim.1FindLaw. Cindy Frey v. Steven Itzkowitz
What Happens Next
With summary judgment denied and that denial affirmed on appeal, the case can proceed to trial. A jury would decide whether the care provided by Dr. Itzkowitz and Mount Sinai fell below the accepted standard and whether that failure contributed to Glenn Frey’s death. As of early 2026, no trial date has been reported.