ACCORDING TO INITIAL POLICE INVESTIGATION AND PALMETTO GENERAL HOSPITAL MEDICAL RECORDS.  DECEASED WAS HOSPITALIZED JUNE 26, 1996 TO JULY 2, 1996 BECAUSE OF A RIGHT HIP REPLACEMENT SECONDARY TO SEVERE OSTEOARTHRITIS.  HE TOLERATED THE PROCEDURE WELL AND DISCHARGED TO THE HEARTLAND HEALTH CARE CENTER FOR REHABILITATION.  

ON JULY 8, 1996 ABOUT 2:00 A.M., DECEASED HAD A WITNESSED CARDIAC ARREST.  FIRE RESCUE RESPONDED, TRANSPORTED HIM TO PALMETTO GENERAL HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE EFFORTS TO RESUSCITATE HIM FAILED, AND HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT 2:25 A.M.