Informal Restroom Rule Nearly Cost Man’s Life

Fremont, NE—A local man, Thomas Fixia, is in stable condition at the Fremont Area Medical Center after nearly choking to death. The close call began as the man entered a bathroom stall while attempting to swallow the last bite of the Snicker’s bar from his lunch.

“The last thing I remember was beginning to choke after sitting down and gagging because the rim was still warm and moist.” Authorities have pieced together the rest of the nearly tragic incident from other employees at the business. Bill Easterbrook recalls being in the restroom while his colleague was choking, “I entered and heard coughing coming from one of the stalls, which, to me, means that the person inside wants you to know that the stall is occupied. I did my business and left.” Bill Waters had a similar story, “I heard the coughing and thought nothing of it. You know, like when you cough to make sure nobody tries to open the door. It continued the whole time I was in there and I remember thinking, ‘Okay, buddy, we get it, there’s somebody in there.'”

Fortunately for Mr. Fixia, Edgar Villegas entered the restroom. “I was only in there for a minute but noticed that somebody was coughing, like to make sure nobody tried to open the door, you know? I washed my hands and turned towards the exit when Tom fell out of the stall door onto the floor. I went for help immediately. I’m just glad he’s okay.”

It was determined that 35 employees entered and left the restroom while Mr. Fixia was choking.