02/20 Suit accuses Scientologists of negligence in death
By CHERYL WALDRIP of The Tampa Tribune
Published Feb. 20, 1997 in The Tampa Tribune
TAMPA - Scientologists ignored a comatose member's medical needs and their
negligence resulted in her death, a lawsuit filed Wednesday says.
An autopsy found Lisa McPherson died of a blood clot brought on by ``severe
dehydration and bed rest.''
McPherson had bruises, abrasions and what Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner
Joan Wood said appeared to be cockroach bites.
McPherson was 36 when she was dead on arrival at a New Port Richey hospital
in December 1995.
The wrongful death lawsuit was filed in Hillsborough Circuit Courtby Tampa
attorney Kennan G. Dandar on behalf of McPherson's aunt, Dell Liebreich of
Dallas. In addition to compensatory damages, the suit seeks ``substantial''
punitive damages.
The lawsuit contends McPherson was held against her will in total isolation
at Scientology's Fort Harrison Hotel as part of a technique called the
``Introspection Rundown.''
``During her confinement, Lisa McPherson slipped into a coma,'' the lawsuit
says. ``The caregivers of the Church of Scientology permitted Lisa McPherson to
remain in a coma for an extended period of time which resulted in severe
dehydration and ultimately her death ....''
It says, ``it was obvious that while in a coma she needed nutrition, liquids
and urgent medical care and treatment.''
Instead, the lawsuit says, McPherson was supervised by ``medically untrained
and unlicensed personnel'' who followed Scientology's policies, procedures and
bulletins.
The church ``willfully, intentionally, maliciously and as a result of their
members' culpable negligence ignored her medical condition which required
urgent medical care,'' the lawsuit says.
Scientology attorney Elliot Abelson said the church denies the allegations.
``There remains no evidence whatsoever that the church did anything
irresponsible to harm Lisa McPherson,'' Abelson said. ``Members of the church
were trying to help someone who needed help.''
Abelson said the lawsuit ``proves the Clearwater Police and the local media
are spreading lies in order to create hatred against the church.'' McPherson
herself ``would hate what is going on,'' Abelson said.
Dandar said he is not on a crusade against Scientology.
``I don't care that it's the Church of Scientology; it could be the Boy
Scouts,'' Dandar said. ``She died in their exclusive care, custody and control
and that's the only thing I care about.''
McPherson's death is under investigation by the medical examiner's office,
as well as the Clearwater Police Department, the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement and the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's office. Her death was first
reported by The Tampa Tribune in December.
The lawsuit gives the following account of McPherson's last days:
She had an ``extremely minor'' car accident on Nov. 18, 1995, in which she
sustained no injuries.
It says she got out of her vehicle and, with a fixed stare, said, ``I need
help, I need to talk to someone.'' She also exhibited ``unusual behavior.''
Police have said she removed her clothing at the scene.
She was taken by ambulance to Morton Plant Hospital ``where she received
emergency medical and psychological treatment which she sought.''
Scientologists went to the hospital and persuaded McPherson to leave with
them to return to the Fort Harrison. Scientologists repeatedly assured
hospital personnel they would provide 24-hour care to McPherson. The hospital
reluctantly released her to the church.
Church members took McPherson back to the hotel, where she was on the
``Introspection Rundown.'' She remained there 17 days. On Dec. 5, 1995, after
observing McPherson in an unconscious state and severely dehydrated for several
days, Scientologists bypassed the nearest hospital and drove her some 20 miles
in a private van to Columbia/HCA New Port Richey Hospital to see a
Scientologist doctor. She was dead on arrival.
Scientology carried out those actions in its attempt to subdue McPherson's
will so that she would succumb to the will of Scientology, the lawsuit says.