Henderson nurse charged in deadly neglect of a dependent case

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – A Henderson woman was charged with neglect of a dependent causing death last week following an investigation into the death of a woman that was under her care.

According to an affidavit, Siobhan Swanigan, 44, was employed as a care taker providing direct care services to two residents at a supported living apartment on Lenape Lane in Evansville. One of the two residents was 66-year-old Nancy Grisham, who authorities say was autistic, developmentally delayed and diagnosed with dysphagia, which created a high risk of choking when she ate. Grisham's care plan indicated she was to be on a pureed diet to the consistency of applesauce.

Authorities say Swanigan gave Grisham a whole danish without preparing it on January 27, causing her to choke and go into cardiac arrest. While on the phone with a 911 operator reporting the choking, Swanigan was also on the phone with her supervisor to report the incident. During the call, Swanigan reportedly admitted she did not prepare the danish before giving it to Grisham.

Grisham was admitted to an ICU with respiratory arrest and bradycardia. A bronchioscopy performed on her second day of hospitalization reportedly showed numerous pieces of food which had to be suctioned and cleared. During a second bronchioscopy on the third day additional food secretions were removed. Grisham was hospitalized for 26 days before being discharged to a healthcare center with a feeding tube.

Grisham would remain at the healthcare center until her death on March 6. Her cause of death was listed as dysphagia and autism.

Company records show Swanigan had received training in topics such as autism, behaviors, CPR, home overview, emergencies, food preparation, hygiene and safety. During an interview with authorities, Swanigan reportedly said it was not the first time she had given Grisham a danish, but said the other time she had broken it up into pieces and fed it to her.

Swanigan was booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on Friday and charged with neglect of a dependent causing death. She has since been released on bond.