A heartbreaking incident has led to the death of James Showmaker, a 57-year-old man from St. Louis, Missouri, who had a rare disability that required constant supervision, particularly during meals.
Showmaker, who suffered from Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), was given a turkey burger and fries by a caregiver who left him unsupervised, ultimately leading to his death. His family has now filed a lawsuit against the caregiver, Tara Whitehead, and the Easterseals facility where he was staying, seeking justice for what they believe was negligent care.
The Tragic Incident
James Showmaker, who was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes intense hunger and food-related behavior problems, was living at an Easterseals facility in Crestwood, Missouri. His family says that because of the condition, James required strict monitoring during meals to prevent choking and overeating, both of which posed serious risks.
On June 20, 2025, Showmaker’s caregiver, Tara Whitehead, was assigned as fill-in staff at the facility. The family’s legal petition reveals that Whitehead provided Showmaker with a turkey burger and fries, then left the room, violating the guidelines set forth in his Individual Service Plan (ISP), which mandated that James be closely supervised while eating.
The family alleges that while Showmaker began coughing and choking, Whitehead returned to the room but instead of offering assistance, allegedly told him to “go throw it up,” even though individuals with PWS typically do not vomit and if they do, it’s a serious medical concern.
The Fateful Outcome
As Showmaker struggled to breathe and was deprived of oxygen, Whitehead reportedly called 911, but there were critical delays. She allegedly didn’t know the phone number for the Easterseals facility and failed to unlock the front door for emergency responders, leading to more precious time lost.
When Showmaker was finally transported to the hospital, it was too late. He had suffered brain damage due to oxygen deprivation and was declared brain dead. Three days later, his family made the agonizing decision to take him off life support.
Legal Action and Allegations
The family has filed a lawsuit against both Tara Whitehead and the Easterseals facility, accusing them of gross negligence.
The legal petition points out that Easterseals failed to adequately train Whitehead, who admitted she did not read Showmaker’s ISP, which explicitly stated the need for close supervision during meals. The family argues that Easterseals’ lack of proper training and supervision contributed to Showmaker’s death.
According to the lawsuit, Showmaker’s ISP clearly outlined the supervision required during meals, including the need for caregivers to ensure he counted to 20 between bites or used playing cards to help slow down his eating. The family contends that Whitehead’s failure to follow these instructions directly led to Showmaker’s choking and ultimately his death.
The Importance of Supervision for Individuals with PWS
Prader-Willi Syndrome causes individuals to have a constant feeling of hunger and an intense drive to consume food, often leading them to eat quickly and without control.
For people with PWS, proper supervision is crucial to avoid dangerous outcomes such as choking or overeating. Showmaker’s family emphasizes that their loved one’s disability requires a high level of care and vigilance, and the failure to provide such care was a contributing factor in his death.
Easterseals’ Response
Easterseals has not responded publicly to the lawsuit. Valerie Hoven, the vice president of communications for Easterseals Midwest, informed the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the organization cannot comment on pending litigation. She also declined to address whether Tara Whitehead, who could not be reached for comment, is still employed by the organization.
Family’s Emotional Plea
In their petition, Showmaker’s family expressed that James “never should have died in this way.” They argue that the organization entrusted with caring for individuals with disabilities like PWS should have ensured proper training and supervision for its staff. The lawsuit also stresses that Easterseals failed to properly equip Whitehead with the knowledge needed to keep James safe.
For the family, this is not just about seeking justice for James but also about ensuring that such negligence does not happen again. They argue that people like James, who require intensive care and monitoring, deserve to be treated with the utmost responsibility and respect.
