Chair death, a term that may sound like a euphemism, but in reality, it's a brutal and inhumane practice that has been used in some U.S. prisons.
The use of the electric chair as a method of execution raises serious concerns about restraint risks and fatalities.
Between 1990 and 2010, at least 64 people died in U.S. prisons due to electrocution or other forms of capital punishment.
In some cases, the chair death was a result of improper execution procedures, highlighting the need for stricter protocols.
Broaden your view: Fan Death
Restraint Risks and Deaths
Families, law enforcement leaders, manufacturers, and state officials are sharing their experiences with restraint systems in a report called KMBC 9 Chronicle: Restrained.
The report reveals never-before-seen footage, which is a stark reminder of the risks associated with restraint chairs.
Families are sharing their firsthand accounts of the devastating consequences of restraint chair use, highlighting the need for change.
KMBC plans to share its findings with lawmakers, law enforcement, and policymakers to help improve safety for both inmates and staff.
Restraint chair risks have resulted in deaths in jails and prisons, making it a critical issue that requires immediate attention.
Investigations and Fines
Vue cinemas were fined £750,000 for safety breaches after a customer died in 2018.
The company was found to have a complete lack of risk assessment, which led to the death of Ateeq Rafiq.
A previous inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death, highlighting missed opportunities for comprehensive safety checks.
Staff took 10 to 15 minutes to try and release Rafiq, who died from a hypoxic brain injury.
Vue has since removed all recliners of the same type involved in the incident and taken steps to prevent similar accidents.
In contrast, law enforcement agencies have faced criticism for using restraint chairs without proper training, leading to deaths in custody.
Nicholas Farah died in Las Vegas in 2019 after officers used a restraint chair, and his family received a $2.38 million settlement.
Malcolm James died in Wisconsin in 2021 after officers used a restraint chair, but they did not face charges.
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Vue Cinemas Fined £750,000
Vue Cinemas was fined £750,000 for safety breaches after a filmgoer died in 2018.
Ateeq Rafiq, 24, died in hospital after his neck became stuck under a powered chair at a Vue cinema.
The company pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the health and safety of persons not employed by the company and failing to make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
Staff spent 10 to 15 minutes trying to release Rafiq before he died on 16 March 2018.
The judge, Heidi Kubik QC, said the death was an accident that never should have happened.
Vue has removed all recliners of the type involved in the incident from their cinemas.
The company has a "very positive health and safety record" with no previous convictions.
Technique Mirrors Two Other Uncovered
Christian Black's case bears a striking resemblance to two other restraint chair incidents uncovered by investigators.
In 2019, Nicholas Farah died in Las Vegas after officers pushed his head down for nearly a minute and a half while he was in a restraint chair. His family received a $2.38 million settlement.
Malcolm James' case in Wisconsin in 2021 is also similar, where six officers held him down and pushed his head forward toward his knees in a restraint chair. Those officers did not face charges.
Dr. John G. Peters Jr., an expert on in-custody deaths, reviewed video of James' case and believed officers could have acted much sooner to provide care.
Jail staff often use restraint chairs without proper training, which can lead to compromised breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the curse of Busby's stoop chair?
According to legend, Busby's curse claimed that anyone sitting in his chair would soon die, but the chair's dark history only added to its intrigue.
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