Cherry Hospital sued by patient's heirs

The state medical examiner found that Steven Howard Sabock, 50, died April 29, 2008, from a pre-existing heart condition.

He had entered the state-run psychiatric facility in Goldsboro for bipolar disorder three days prior, according to his wife.

Surveillance video from the hospital shows that in the hours prior to his death, Sabock choked on medication, fell and hit his head on the floor, went without food and sat neglected in a chair while hospital employees worked, socialized and entertained themselves over four shifts.

After 22 hours, workers appeared to move Sabock from the room. Within 10 minutes, paramedics left the facility with him on a stretcher.

Sabock's attorney has also filed a complaint against the Goldsboro facility with the State Industrial Commission.