     ACCORDING TO THE INITIAL POLICE INVESTIGATION:  THE DECEASED WAS AN ELDERLY MALE WHO WAS QUADRIPLEGIC SINCE A DIVING ACCIDENT IN 1981, AND A PATIENT OF THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CENTER. 
     ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1996, AT ABOUT 1:15 PM, HE WAS BEING TRANSPORTED IN THE HOSPITAL'S MEDICAL VAN.  WHILE ON THE AUTOMATIC LIFT IN HIS MOTORIZED CHAIR, THE DECEASED IN HIS CHAIR FELL OFF OF THE LIFT, FACE FIRST AND ONTO THE GROUND, HIS CHAIR FALLING ON TOP OF HIM. EMERGENCY RESCUE UNITS RESPONDED, INITIATED RESUSCITATIVE MEASURES AS HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO PALMETTO GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER. 
     UPON ARRIVAL AT THE HOSPITAL HE WAS CONSCIOUS, ALERT AND COOPERATIVE, WITH A LACERATION TO HIS FOREHEAD, ABRASIONS TO HIS FACE AND CHEST. HIS BLOOD PRESSURE WAS 77/45, PULSE 57, RESPIRATION 22. HIS CONDITION BEGAN TO RAPIDLY DETERIORATE AND HE EXPIRED AT 5:29 PM.