DEMOTTE, Ind. (CBS) — A funeral will be held Wednesday for an Indiana father of two who died after being handcuffed and pinned to a floor by police.
Rhyker Earl, 26, suffered a seizure the night of Sunday, Sept. 8, at a home in DeMotte, Indiana, about an hour and 15 minutes south and east of Chicago.
Earl’s grandmother called 911 for help, and Jasper County, Indiana Sheriff’s officers arrived at the home. The family said that as Earl was still recovering from his seizure, he was confused and agitated and lunged at an officer.
The family said officers responded by handcuffing Earl and pinning him face down on the floor.
Several police officers reportedly remained on Earl while EMTs administered tranquilizers to him.
His aunt, Miracle Gawlinski, said he pleaded for his life.
“He was still face down in a pillow, handcuffed, officers on top of him, administering sedatives for an extended period of time while I was there, begging, pleading, crying, ‘I can’t breathe! Help me!'” Gawlinski said.
After about 15 minutes, Earl became limp, and Gawlinski said she noticed Earl turning blue. An EMT took his pulse and he wasn’t breathing, she said.
Officers tried to revive Earl, but it was too late.
Miracle Gawlinski
Earl was taken off life support on Tuesday, September 10.
An investigation is now underway into the handling of his medical emergency.