Haunting selfie resurfaces after Arizona man’s dental death lawsuit settled

A chilling selfie taken just hours before a routine dental procedure ended in tragedy has resurfaced following the settlement of a wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona.

According to a report by the New York Post, 40-year-old Derek Swanson of Arizona snapped a smiling photo from a dentist’s chair on March 3, 2023, moments before undergoing a dental implant procedure he had long anticipated. The image, later shared on social media, would become a painful reminder for his family.

Swanson never regained consciousness after complications allegedly arose during the administration of anesthesia at a Scottsdale oral surgery clinic. He suffered a severe brain injury, was placed on life support, and died a week later, on 10 March, based on findings from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner.

His parents, Brenda and Bill Swanson, said they were left waiting for hours at the clinic as the procedure stretched on without explanation. They later filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the dentist and the surgical facility, alleging errors during anesthesia that deprived their son of oxygen.

The lawsuit was settled this week for an undisclosed amount, the New York Post reported.

Beyond seeking accountability, the Swansons are now pushing for changes to Arizona regulations governing dental surgeries. Under current rules, dentists with proper permits may administer anesthesia without a dedicated anesthetist present. The grieving parents want that requirement changed to prevent similar tragedies.