Michael Jackson waves to fans as he arrives at the Santa Barbara County courthouse Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)

Dead woman's family threatens to sue Jackson

Associated Press

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — The family of an elderly woman who was moved to accommodate Michael Jackson threatened Friday to sue the pop star and the hospital.

The hospital's focus on accommodating a flu-stricken Michael Jackson contributed to the death of Manuela Gomez Ruiz, 74, a heart patient, said members of the woman's family.

The family told ABC's Good Morning America that Ruiz was relocated from Marian Medical Center's primary trauma room to a smaller room so Jackson could have the larger room.

Ruiz was being treated Feb. 15 for a heart attack, the family said, and died the same day after two more heart attacks following her move.

Jackson's overnight hospitalization ended Feb. 16, forcing a postponement of jury-selection in his child-molestation case. That selection process concluded Thursday, setting up opening statements Monday.

Members of Ruiz's family said they have hired a lawyer and plan to sue the hospital and Jackson.

Maria Elena Ortiz said she objected to her mother being moved after Jackson was admitted.

"Why does she have to be moved if he's coming in for a stomach flu?'' Ortiz told ABC.

"I said: `My mother just had a heart attack and I think it's more critical than a stomach flu.' They didn't say anything.''

The hospital offered condolences to Ruiz's family but in a statement said patient privacy laws and hospital rules prevent more specific comment.

"We are confident, however, that our patients have and continue to receive high-quality, compassionate and timely care,'' the statement said.

Jackson publicist Raymone Bain criticized the Good Morning America report.

"It is outrageous that Michael Jackson's name would be invoked into a situation of which he had no authority or control,'' Bain said.

"He was a patient himself.''

In the statement, the singer also offered condolences to Ruiz's family.