A care home in Missouri is facing a lawsuit following the tragic choking death of James Showmaker, a 57-year-old man with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Showmaker’s siblings allege that the care home, operated by Easterseals Midwest, demonstrated negligence by failing to supervise him adequately while he was eating, which subsequently led to his untimely demise.
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Showmaker lived at the care facility, which catered to individuals with developmental disabilities, including the unique needs associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome. This disorder requires constant supervision during meal times due to the high risk of choking and overeating. According to the lawsuit filed by his siblings, Maureen Brown and Eddie Showmaker, the staff did not adhere to his Individual Service Plan (ISP), which outlines specific care requirements that the staff must follow.
On June 20, 2025, a staff member reportedly left Showmaker alone with a turkey burger and fries. It was alleged that during this negligence, Showmaker began to choke. The caretaker allegedly told him to “throw it up”, despite the fact that individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome do not typically vomit in these situations—this negligence is compounded by the risk of choking and the severe consequences that could ensue.
As the incident unfolded, Showmaker’s breathing became increasingly laboured, and he eventually collapsed. A 911 call made by the staff member revealed that Showmaker was on the floor struggling to breathe. According to the lawsuit, the staff member was unable to provide adequate assistance, which delayed the arrival of emergency personnel when they arrived at the scene.
Despite the urgency, reports suggest that the staff member did not unlock the door promptly for emergency services, further hindering the critical response to save Showmaker’s life. After being deprived of oxygen, he was transported to the hospital but arrived brain-dead. The situation escalated quickly, leading to severe complications, including seizures and sepsis. Tragically, on June 23, 2025, Showmaker’s family made the heart-wrenching decision to remove him from life support.
The lawsuit asserts that the family had placed significant trust in Easterseals to provide appropriate care and supervision for Showmaker. They argue that the organisation failed in their duty to properly train and supervise staff tasked with taking care of vulnerable individuals. The siblings are seeking damages exceeding $25,000, alleging that the care home is liable for Showmaker’s wrongful death due to negligence on the part of its employee.
In their petition, Brown and Eddie Showmaker highlighted a troubling pattern, claiming that there have been multiple incidents of injury and fatalities at the Easterseals location. They contend that the organisation has a history of hiring inadequately qualified staff and failing to provide requisite training for the specific needs associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Easterseals has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit, and no comment has been provided to address the allegations made by Showmaker’s family. The situation has drawn attention not only to the specific case but also to wider issues concerning the care of individuals with developmental disabilities in residential settings.
James Showmaker will be remembered fondly by his loved ones. According to his obituary, he enjoyed games, word searches, and spending quality time with family and friends. His infectious enthusiasm extended to his love for cheeseburgers and fries, which underscores the tragic nature of the circumstances surrounding his death.
As the case moves forward, it highlights the vital importance of rigorous training and supervision in care homes, particularly for those attending to individuals with significant health vulnerabilities. The outcome may have ripple effects beyond the family, shaping future standards for care practices in similar facilities.