Family Accuses Vermillion Group Home of Negligence in Death

VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — The family of a man who died in a Vermillion group home is seeking money damages for wrongful death.

The Argus Leader reports trial is being held this week in the case of Darelle "Bill" Red Bear, who died in January 2009 when he choked on his own vomit.

Red Bear's brothers and sisters contend the Southeast South Dakota Activity Center ignored his worsening health condition for four days without taking him to a hospital. They also say the facility and Red Bear's state-appointed legal guardian decided to donate his organs and cremate his body without family consent.

Center attorneys say many of the family members hadn't been in contact with Red Bear for years, and that attempts to reach family members failed because their contact information wasn't accurate.

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