The sudden death of actor Mike Heslin has led to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his husband, Scotty Dynamo, against the staff at Javier’s restaurant located in the Aria Hotel, Las Vegas. The lawsuit, submitted on September 18, 2024, alleges that restaurant employees impeded lifesaving efforts during a medical emergency that ultimately resulted in Heslin’s death.
According to court documents, Heslin, known for his role in the Hallmark series “Lioness,” was dining with friends when he exhibited clear signs of a medical crisis. Witnesses reported that as they attempted to perform CPR, staff allegedly obstructed their efforts. The lawsuit claims employees forcibly removed individuals trying to assist and did not retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED) that could have made a difference.
Dynamo’s complaint highlights several allegations of negligence, including failure to activate emergency protocols and to provide essential emergency equipment. The suit states that staff at Javier’s prevented bystanders from helping, which directly contributed to Heslin’s demise. Dynamo is pursuing damages exceeding $30,000, which includes funeral costs and additional punitive damages. A separate claim cites $15,000 in damages filed under Nevada statutes.
In a statement to Us Weekly, Dynamo recounted the tragic moment when Heslin collapsed. He emphasized that despite immediate calls for help, responses from restaurant personnel were inadequate. Witnesses have corroborated that staff stopped a woman from performing CPR, further complicating the situation.
MGM Resorts International, the parent company of the Aria, has publicly denied the allegations, asserting that the claims do not align with the facts. The company stated, “We will respond through the legal process.”
Heslin’s unexpected passing has left many in shock. On July 2024, Dynamo announced on Instagram that his husband died due to an “unexpected cardiac arrest,” stating that doctors had “no explanation for what happened.” He described Heslin as “young, in perfect health,” and referred to him as his “soulmate.”
As this legal case unfolds, it raises important questions about emergency response protocols in public venues and the responsibilities of staff during medical emergencies. The outcome of the lawsuit could have broader implications for how restaurants and hotels manage similar crises in the future.
