The family of a severely diabetic man who died at the hands of a nurse overseeing his care has filed a wrongful death suit against the facility where he lived. Heather Pressdee, a former nursing home nurse, has been charged with administering excessive doses of insulin to patients, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals. The lawsuit alleges that Pressdee mistreated 22 patients at various care facilities, including Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where Nicholas Cymbol died in May 2023.
Cymbol, a brittle diabetic with multiple health issues, lived at Sunnyview and was under the care of Pressdee, who allegedly insulted, bullied, and abused him. Despite red flags and warnings from staff, Pressdee was not removed from Cymbol’s care. On April 30, 2023, Pressdee administered a high dose of insulin to Cymbol, causing his blood sugar levels to plummet. Despite efforts to reverse the drop, Cymbol’s condition continued to worsen, leading to his death on May 1, 2023.
The lawsuit against Sunnyview alleges negligence, failure to train employees to recognize and report abuse, and failure to remove Pressdee from Cymbol’s care despite her abusive behavior. The suit also claims that Sunnyview failed to monitor Cymbol’s condition and blood sugar levels after he was hospitalized for hypoglycemia. Pressdee was terminated from Sunnyview after exhibiting abusive behavior toward residents and staff.
Pressdee has been charged with murder and criminal neglect in connection to Cymbol’s death, as well as with additional charges related to other suspicious deaths at multiple care facilities. The criminal investigation into Pressdee is ongoing, and she may plead guilty to the charges. The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, as well as answers as to why Pressdee was allowed to continue working in these facilities despite her disturbing behavior.
The lawsuit also alleges that Sunnyview failed to recognize and address Pressdee’s abusive tendencies and behavior, leading to multiple suspicious deaths among residents under her care. Pressdee’s erratic and troubling behavior at Sunnyview was reportedly ignored by the facility, allowing her abuse to pervade throughout the center. Staff members raised concerns about the deaths of residents under Pressdee’s care, but their warnings were reportedly disregarded.
As the legal proceedings continue against Pressdee and Sunnyview, the families of the victims are seeking justice and answers. The lawsuit filed by Cymbol’s family demands accountability for the negligence and abusive behavior that led to his untimely death. The case highlights the importance of proper training and oversight in healthcare facilities to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
