Actor Mike Heslin’s Husband Files Lawsuit Alleging Restaurant Staff Blocked Lifesaving Aid During Medical Emergency

Mike Heslin, a 35-year-old American actor best known for his roles in "Lioness" and Hallmark’s "The Holiday Proposal Plan", died on July 2, 2024, following a cardiac event suffered while celebrating his birthday in Las Vegas. After a week in the hospital, Heslin passed away, leaving behind his husband, French-Canadian entertainer Scotty Dynamo, and a tight-knit circle of family and friends .

More than a year after Heslin’s death, Dynamo has filed a civil suit in Nevada, alleging that Javier’s restaurant at the Aria Hotel and its staff failed in their duty to respond to Heslin’s medical emergency. The lawsuit, filed September 18, 2025, claims that the staff not only neglected to provide emergency care, but also “forcefully interfered” with a bystander’s attempt to perform CPR on Heslin—actions Dynamo and others believe contributed to a preventable tragedy .

According to court documents and statements from Dynamo and witnesses, Heslin “exhibited obvious signs of a medical emergency” while dining at Javier’s. Rather than provide aid, staff allegedly blocked a guest trained in CPR from intervening. Friends of Heslin further claim that the restaurant failed to retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED), despite having one available on the premises .

In a particularly distressing allegation, Dynamo’s suit asserts that friends and family were forcibly removed from the hotel and threatened with arrest for their attempts to help. When bystanders tried to document the incident on their phones, staff reportedly demanded that the footage be deleted, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the immediate aftermath .

The lawsuit brings five counts against Javier’s and its parent company, MGM Resorts International: wrongful death, loss of consortium, negligence, negligent hiring, retention, training and supervision, and gross negligence. Dynamo is seeking damages in excess of $30,000, in addition to funeral expenses and punitive damages, stating the death was “a direct and proximate result of defendants’ acts and omissions” .

MGM Resorts International, which owns Javier’s, has denied the allegations. In a statement to the press, a spokesperson said: “These claims are not aligned with the facts, and we will respond through the legal process” . As the case moves forward, both sides are expected to present evidence and witness testimony regarding the events of that night.

The death of Mike Heslin and the legal battle that has ensued have drawn widespread attention within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Advocates have pointed to the incident as an example of why public venues must be prepared to respond to emergencies, and why the rights and voices of queer families must be respected in crisis situations .

LGBTQ+ organizations note that queer couples sometimes face additional barriers when navigating medical emergencies, including issues of recognition, communication, and authority in high-stress moments. In this case, Dynamo’s role as Heslin’s spouse was clear, but the allegations that he and others were forcibly removed and their documentation suppressed have raised alarms about how LGBTQ+ families are treated in public and corporate settings .

“Every person deserves swift, compassionate, and competent assistance in a medical emergency—regardless of who they are or whom they love,” said a spokesperson for a national LGBTQ+ advocacy group, responding to the news. “This case is a stark reminder of the gaps that still exist in emergency response and the importance of affirming and protecting queer families in all aspects of public life” .

Beyond the LGBTQ+ implications, the accusations have highlighted the need for all public venues to ensure that staff are appropriately trained for medical emergencies. Access to basic lifesaving tools such as AEDs, and clear protocols for staff to support—not obstruct—emergency interventions, are increasingly seen as minimum standards for public safety .

Legal experts note that civil suits like Dynamo’s can set important precedents. “If the allegations are proven, it could have a significant impact on how restaurants and hotels nationwide train their staff and respond to medical crises,” said a Nevada-based attorney specializing in wrongful death litigation .

For Dynamo and Heslin’s loved ones, the lawsuit is part of a broader effort to seek accountability and ensure that no other family experiences a similar loss. “Michael’s death was an avoidable tragedy,” the lawsuit states, underscoring the pain and urgency that drive the case .

The LGBTQ+ community continues to mourn the loss of an artist and advocate, while also mobilizing for improved protections, visibility, and respect for all queer families facing crisis. As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely—not only for justice in this case, but for progress in the broader struggle for safety, dignity, and equality.