The sudden death of actor Mike Heslin has prompted his husband, Scotty Dynamo, to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the staff of Javier’s restaurant located at the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas. The legal action, initiated on September 18, 2024, alleges that restaurant employees obstructed lifesaving assistance during a critical medical emergency involving Heslin.
According to the court documents, Heslin, known for his role in the Hallmark series “Lioness,” displayed clear signs of distress during a meal with friends. Witness accounts suggest that as he collapsed, immediate calls for help were made. The lawsuit claims that staff not only failed to provide essential medical aid but actively hindered bystanders from performing CPR. Additionally, the lawsuit states that the restaurant personnel did not retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED) that could have been crucial in this situation.
Dynamo’s complaint details how he and his friends were allegedly “forcefully removed” from the restaurant when they attempted to assist Heslin. They also claim they faced threats of arrest for trying to document the incident. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence, gross negligence, and wrongful death, citing “avoidable failures” that Dynamo contends directly led to Heslin’s passing.
In a separate statement, Dynamo shared that medical professionals could not explain the circumstances surrounding Heslin’s unexpected cardiac arrest. He remembered his husband, who was only 35 years old, as being in “perfect health” prior to this tragic event, referring to him as his “soulmate.”
Legal Response and Claims for Damages
Dynamo is seeking damages exceeding $30,000, which includes funeral expenses and punitive damages. A separate claim filed under Nevada statutes notes additional damages of $15,000. These figures underscore the emotional and financial toll this incident has taken on Dynamo, as he navigates the aftermath of his husband’s untimely death.
In response to the lawsuit, MGM Resorts International, the parent company of the Aria Hotel, released a statement asserting that the claims do not align with the facts. They indicated their intent to address the allegations through the legal process.
Witnesses to the incident have also reported that attempts to perform CPR were met with resistance from the restaurant staff. According to Us Weekly, an employee allegedly intervened to stop a woman from delivering compressions, further complicating the emergency response.
As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the responsibilities of establishments to ensure the safety and well-being of their patrons during medical emergencies. The outcome of this lawsuit may set important precedents regarding emergency protocols and staff training in hospitality venues.