ST. LOUIS, MO — The family of James Showmaker, a 57-year-old man with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), is suing Easterseals Midwest and his caregiver, Tara Whitehead, after he tragically died following a choking incident at the Easterseals PWS home in Crestwood, Missouri on June 20, 2025.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred after Whitehead, assigned as “fill-in staff,” gave Showmaker a turkey burger and fries. Despite Showmaker’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) outlining the need for constant supervision while eating due to his risk of choking, Whitehead reportedly left the room after serving the meal. The ISP clearly stated that Showmaker must be monitored and engage in tasks, such as counting to 20 between bites, to reduce the risk of choking.
As Showmaker began choking, he reportedly made “agonizing moans,” which Whitehead heard upon returning to the room. Instead of taking immediate action, Whitehead allegedly told him to “throw it up” — a dangerous suggestion considering the symptoms of PWS, which make it difficult for individuals to vomit safely.
The caregiver’s lack of proper response exacerbated the situation. Showmaker collapsed, and Whitehead called 911, but reportedly didn’t know the facility’s phone number and failed to unlock the door for emergency responders. These delays resulted in precious seconds being lost during the critical moments of the emergency.
The Aftermath
Showmaker was brain-deprived of oxygen for too long, and by the time he arrived at the hospital, he was brain dead. He suffered seizures and developed sepsis before being taken off life support three days later.
Lawsuit and Allegations
Showmaker’s family, in their legal petition, accused Easterseals of negligence in training and supervising Whitehead. The petition emphasizes that Showmaker’s ISP clearly specified the importance of careful supervision during mealtime, especially due to his hyperphagia and swallowing difficulties associated with PWS. Whitehead admitted that she did not follow the ISP guidelines and received insufficient training on managing PWS and its associated risks.
The family’s legal team argues that Easterseals failed to adequately train and supervise its staff, allowing Whitehead to perform duties she was not qualified for, which ultimately led to Showmaker’s tragic death.
ISP Guidelines and Caregiver Responsibilities
The ISP stated that food is the killer for individuals like Showmaker, highlighting that caregivers must protect him from avoidable death and harm by ensuring he counts to 20 between bites or engages in a similar task to slow down his eating. The petition claims that Easterseals failed to ensure these protocols were followed, contributing to Showmaker’s choking and subsequent death.
Easterseals’ Response
Easterseals Midwest has not commented on the specifics of the lawsuit but has stated that they cannot discuss pending litigation. Valerie Hoven, vice president of communications for Easterseals Midwest, confirmed to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that they cannot provide details about Whitehead’s current employment status.
