^{The Excalibur Casino Hotel in Las Vegas is at the centre of a wrongful death lawsuit (Image: Alamy)}

Following the death of a 60-year-old Canadian man at the Excalibur Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, the family have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Excalibur, which is operated by MGM Resorts International.  

60-year-old Paul Nakashima allegedly slipped on the steps of the Court Pool at the hotel and struck his head. The lawsuit alleges that the lifeguards at the Excalibur and pool staff failed to take immediate and proper action, contributing to Nakashima’s death. 

The incident occurred on June 15^th, 2023, and the lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in Clark County Court. The document reportedly contains multiple claims against  

Excalibur, including negligence, negligent training and supervision, wrongful death, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. It also names unidentified individuals and entities involved in the pool’s design, maintenance, and operation as defendants. 

Allegations include that Excalibur breached its duty to maintain the pool area in a reasonably safe condition to prevent foreseeable risks, such as slippery steps leading into the pool. It also failed to enforce lifeguard protocols and emergency procedures after Nakashima’s fall, conduct an immediate assessment of his condition, and provide timely medical care.  

Allegations of Multiple Failings Against Excalibur 

According to the complaint, critical tools such as a backboard for spinal injuries and an automated external defibrillator (AED) were either unavailable or improperly utilized during the emergency. Eyewitnesses report that the AED, a device vital in responding to cardiac emergencies, had to be retrieved from a separate location, causing significant delays in intervention. 

The lawsuit also raises serious concerns about Excalibur's hiring practices and staff training protocols. The family alleges that the hotel neglected to properly train its lifeguards and pool staff to monitor guests and respond effectively to emergencies, creating hazardous conditions at the pool. 

Additionally, the lawsuit points to potential violations of state and local safety codes, including the Southern Nevada Health District Aquatic Facility Regulations. The family argues that these infractions constitute negligence per se, reinforcing their claim against the hotel. 

Witnesses Describe Final Moments of Guest Who Dies at Hotel Pool 

Witnesses to Nakashima’s final moments describe the profound emotional toll of watching him struggle and ultimately succumb to injuries that might have been prevented with proper care. His sisters, Sandra Waithe, and Ruth Nakashima, have also filed wrongful death claims, citing profound loss of familial support and companionship, along with intense grief and sorrow. 

The family is seeking damages exceeding $15,000, along with compensation for funeral expenses, legal fees, and other related costs. They contend that Excalibur's lack of action and poor safety measures directly led to Nakashima's tragic death, and stress that enhanced safety protocols could have made a life-saving difference. 

This tragic incident highlights a pressing need for improved safety measures within public facilities, as the family seeks justice for their loss and advocates for change to prevent similar tragedies in the future.