Kin of Deceased Call for Moratorium on Emory Sleep Studies ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Today family and supporters of a man who died last month in Emory Healthcare's Sleep Disorders Center demanded a moratorium on its sleep studies. They say Emory should get to the bottom of Brandon Harris's January 23rd death, rather than continue with the studies.

Also today, Emory released a statement attributing 25-year old Harris's death to sudden cardiac arrest. Harris's mother, Renee "Sunshine" Lewis, says he did have hypertension and diabetes, but she said that's not why he died.

"They are wanting to bring all these issues now about his weight and diabetes and all of that," said Lewis, "but they knew this before he took the test."

Harris's doctor recommended that he participate in the study on sleep apnea. That's a condition where someone stops breathing while asleep.

Lewis's brother watched a video of the trial, and said Harris showed clear signs of physical distress. Though Harris tried to flag an attendant for help, Lewis said it took a long time for staff to respond.

"They were supposed to be watching him the entire time, every second that he was there. And that obviously did not happen," Lewis said.

Emory Healthcare's statement does not address the allegations of inattentive staff. The statement said that because Lewis has retained an attorney, it "cannot comment any further on any allegations or on the details of the care provided to Mr. Harris."
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