Family Sues Javier’s at Aria After Patron Collapsed and Received No Aid

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Aria and its restaurant Javier’s in Clark County, claiming restaurant staff failed to perform lifesaving measures after a patron suffered a medical emergency. The lawsuit was filed on September 18 by the spouse of Michael Edward Heslin, who collapsed inside Javier’s on June 25, 2024, while dining with friends. Heslin died on July 2, 2024.

According to the complaint, when Heslin collapsed, friends attempted to move a table aside and lay him on the floor. Though several employees reportedly observed his distress, none retrieved an AED (automated external defibrillator) or administered CPR. The suit alleges that one person initiated chest compressions, but an employee allegedly interfered, preventing the lifesaving effort.

Friends of Heslin also claim they were removed from the restaurant, threatened with arrest or trespass, and asked to delete video recordings of the event. The lawsuit, brought by Heslin’s spouse, includes charges of wrongful death, negligence, negligent hiring/retention, training and supervision, as well as gross negligence. The suit seeks various damages including funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and punitive damages.