Heslin’s husband, Scotty Dynamo, filed a lawsuit claiming the restaurant’s staff failed to use an on-site defibrillator and interfered with attempts to save Heslin’s life.

LAS VEGAS — Hallmark movie star Mike Heslin, 35, tragically died during a birthday trip to Las Vegas last year after restaurant staff allegedly prevented life-saving CPR from being administered during a medical emergency, according to a lawsuit filed by his husband, Scotty Dynamo.

The suit, filed on September 18 in Nevada, claims that staff members at Javier’s, a restaurant inside the Aria Hotel, allowed what Dynamo calls an “avoidable tragedy” through multiple failures to provide emergency care.

“Michael was exhibiting obvious signs of a medical emergency,” the lawsuit states, “but restaurant staff failed to act and forcefully interfered when a nearby diner attempted to provide CPR.”

Dynamo, who has spoken publicly about the loss of his husband, described the incident as deeply painful. “He was in perfect health, and then suddenly, he collapsed.

When I felt him take his last breath, my heart shattered into a million pieces,” he said. “If I had the power to trade places with him, I would have done it in an instant.”

Friends who were present at the restaurant corroborated Dynamo’s account. According to court documents, Heslin began showing clear signs of distress while dining with his husband and friends.

Multiple attempts to provide aid were allegedly blocked by staff, who reportedly prevented other diners from helping and even threatened them with arrest.

One friend told investigators, “I tried to perform CPR, but the staff stopped me. I couldn’t believe what was happening. We were trying to save a life, and they were treating it like a minor disturbance.”

Another witness added, “We even asked for the defibrillator. They had one on the property, but no one brought it to him. It felt like time was slipping away.”

The lawsuit also alleges that staff members demanded that videos of the incident, recorded by Heslin’s friends, be deleted. “They didn’t just ignore him—they actively tried to erase evidence of their inaction,” the complaint states.

Heslin, known for his role in Hallmark’s Lioness and other films, was widely recognized as a dedicated actor and beloved by fans.

Dynamo has described his husband as vibrant and healthy, with no known underlying medical conditions that could have contributed to a sudden cardiac arrest.

“Michael was young, in perfect health. The doctors have no explanation for what happened,” Dynamo wrote on Instagram at the time of Heslin’s death.

The restaurant and its parent company, MGM Resorts International, have denied the allegations. In a statement, MGM said, “These claims are not aligned with the facts, and we will respond through the legal process.”

The company did not elaborate further, and Dynamo did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.

According to the lawsuit, the restaurant’s alleged inaction constitutes multiple counts, including wrongful death, loss of consortium, negligence, negligent hiring and training, and gross negligence.

Dynamo is seeking damages exceeding $30,000, funeral expenses, and punitive damages.

Family and friends continue to mourn the loss of Heslin, describing him as a “soulmate” and a “light in their lives.”

“He was so full of life,” Dynamo said. “Every day with him was a gift. We planned trips, laughed at everything, and shared everything together. It’s impossible to put into words how much I miss him.”

In the days following Heslin’s death, Dynamo and friends struggled to process the shock of losing someone so young and apparently healthy.

“You don’t expect it to happen to someone your age, someone with no history of heart problems,” one close friend said. “And to have people around refuse help—it’s just devastating.”

The Aria Hotel and Javier’s have not commented publicly beyond the MGM statement.

Legal experts note that cases involving allegations of interference with emergency care can be complex, often requiring detailed investigation into staff training, protocols, and the timeline of events.

Emergency medicine specialists emphasize the importance of immediate response when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

“CPR and access to an AED are critical in the first few minutes,” said Dr. Linda Harper, a Las Vegas cardiologist not involved in the case. “Even a delay of a few minutes can drastically affect survival chances.”

Dynamo’s lawsuit highlights not only the sudden loss of a loved one but also questions about responsibility and preparedness in hospitality settings. “We trusted this place with our safety,” Dynamo said.

“To see them block help when my husband needed it most… it’s a betrayal I can’t forget.”

Fans of Heslin have also expressed their grief on social media, sharing memories of his performances and the joy he brought to audiences. “Mike had such a warm presence onscreen,” wrote one fan.

“It’s heartbreaking to think someone so full of life was lost in such a preventable way.”

Court filings suggest that the incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of emergency response in public establishments. Advocates stress the need for clear protocols, staff training, and the encouragement of bystander intervention.

“No one should be prevented from helping someone in need,” said Carol Martinez, a Las Vegas-based advocate for public health safety. “This tragedy underscores how critical preparedness and immediate action are.”

Heslin’s passing at just 35 years old has left a profound impact on his community. Friends, family, and fans continue to remember him not only for his work as an actor but also for his personality, generosity, and passion for life.

“He was the kind of person who lit up a room,” Dynamo said. “Every smile, every laugh, every moment with him mattered. Losing him has left a hole in our hearts that will never heal.”

As the lawsuit moves forward, the court will consider whether the restaurant and its staff can be held legally responsible for alleged interference with emergency care.

Meanwhile, those who knew Heslin continue to grapple with the pain of a loss they describe as preventable, sudden, and shocking.

“This was not just a heart attack,” Dynamo said. “It was a failure to act when it mattered most. And that is what I will fight for—not just for Michael, but for anyone else who could be in that same terrifying situation.”

The outcome of the lawsuit could have implications for policies and liability standards in hospitality and dining establishments nationwide, particularly regarding emergency medical response and training.

In the meantime, friends and fans are keeping Heslin’s memory alive through social media tributes, charitable acts, and sharing stories about his life and career. “He was my partner, my best friend, my soulmate,” Dynamo said. “And I will honor him every day, no matter what.”