Investigators say man died after guardian's wrongful 'do not resuscitate' order

July 15, 2019

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - State investigators say a Florida man has died and his guardian is being investigated for allegedly filing "do not resuscitate" orders on behalf of clients without permission from their families.

A judge last week filed to remove professional guardian Rebecca Fierle from 98 cases.

State investigators say 75-year-old Steven Stryker died in a Tampa hospital after staff could not perform life-saving procedures because of the order filed by Fierle against Stryker's wishes.

Investigators for the Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller say Fierle's claims about Stryker's final wishes contradicted his daughter, friend and a psychiatrist.

Florida law allows a guardian to be appointed by a judge to make decisions for minors and adults with disabilities.

The Orlando Sentinel reports a guardianship court monitor is investigating the abuse claims.