openbsd-flipp
08-28-2004, 12:36 PM
from the denver post
Gayle Laverne Grinds, 40, died after emergency workers tried unsuccessfully for six hours to remove her from the couch where she had laid for about six years, unable to move. The 4'10" woman weighed 480 pounds and hadn't even been able to get up to use the bathroom. Let me repeat that - for SIX YEARS. From so many years of not moving, Grinds' body had grafted to the fabric of the couch; her skin had literally grown into the sofa and could only be removed from her by surgical means. Workers said the home was so filthy they had to wear protective gear; the stench was so powerful they had to blast in fresh air. To get Gayle out of the house they had to remove some sliding glass doors and lift the couch, with Grinds still on it, and tow her on a trailer behind a pickup truck to the hospital. Sadly, she died before anything could be done for her. Still attached to the couch. Cause of death was listed as "morbid obesity".
Grinds lived with Herman Thomas who said he tried to take care of her the best he could. He had tried "repeatedly" to get her up but couldn't. No charges have been filed, but officials are looking into negligence issues. Neighbors say they had no idea Grinds lived there; they had only seen Thomas and some children outside.
This makes me want to get out more.
Gayle Laverne Grinds, 40, died after emergency workers tried unsuccessfully for six hours to remove her from the couch where she had laid for about six years, unable to move. The 4'10" woman weighed 480 pounds and hadn't even been able to get up to use the bathroom. Let me repeat that - for SIX YEARS. From so many years of not moving, Grinds' body had grafted to the fabric of the couch; her skin had literally grown into the sofa and could only be removed from her by surgical means. Workers said the home was so filthy they had to wear protective gear; the stench was so powerful they had to blast in fresh air. To get Gayle out of the house they had to remove some sliding glass doors and lift the couch, with Grinds still on it, and tow her on a trailer behind a pickup truck to the hospital. Sadly, she died before anything could be done for her. Still attached to the couch. Cause of death was listed as "morbid obesity".
Grinds lived with Herman Thomas who said he tried to take care of her the best he could. He had tried "repeatedly" to get her up but couldn't. No charges have been filed, but officials are looking into negligence issues. Neighbors say they had no idea Grinds lived there; they had only seen Thomas and some children outside.
This makes me want to get out more.