Man With Rare Condition Dies After Choking on Burger and Fries Due to Caregiver’s Negligence, Lawsuit Says

A lawsuit filed in Missouri alleges that a man with a rare disability suffered a “terrifying and painful” death due to negligence at a care facility in Crestwood.

The lawsuit claims that James Showmaker, 57, was given a turkey burger and fries by a caregiver who later told him to “throw it up” when he began choking. Showmaker was declared brain dead and taken off life support three days after the incident in June 2025.

Showmaker’s family has filed legal action against caregiver Tara Whitehead and the Easterseals facility.

“James never should have died in this way,” the petition states. “His ISP (Individual Service Plan) clearly spells out that he should be monitored during eating to confirm he is counting to 20 between bites. Tara Whitehead admitted she did not do that,” according to Law & Crime.

Whitehead allegedly left the room after serving him food, in direct violation of his care plan.

Showmaker was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a condition characterized by hyperphagia, an intense and persistent hunger and an extreme drive to consume food.

“PWS does not just affect the amount of food they consume but also impacts the speed at which they eat,” the lawsuit states. “People with PWS have reduced muscle strength, including the muscles in their throats used for swallowing. Coupled with their developmental propensity for aggressively seeking out and consuming food, people with PWS are at a massive risk of choking or overeating to the point of danger when their food access and intake is not closely monitored and controlled.”

According to the lawsuit, Showmaker began coughing, choking, and making “agonizing moans,” prompting Whitehead to return.

“She told him to go ‘throw it up,’ even though people with PWS do not typically throw up,” the petition claims.

Showmaker then collapsed due to lack of oxygen. Whitehead called 911 but allegedly failed to unlock the front door for first responders, delaying access while he was deprived of oxygen.

Showmaker later suffered seizures and developed sepsis while hospitalized, his family said. He died three days later after being taken off life support.

Valerie Hoven, vice president of communications for Easterseals Midwest, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch the organization cannot comment on pending litigation. She also declined to say whether Whitehead is still employed there.

According to his obituary, Showmaker loved playing games, cards, word searches, and spending time with his family and friends. “Jimmy also enjoyed a good cheeseburger and french fries.”

“In addition to his family, he will be missed by his best friend, Tim O'Leary and his family, and all those who knew him for the special person he was,” the obituary said.

He is survived by three brothers, two sisters, several nieces and nephews, and one great-great nephew.