sorry to hear this

Back surgery doesn't sound like a simple procedure to recover from

condolences to his family and friends

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Sally- maybe help wanted to recuperate info a hospital. Maybe it was outpatient surgery and he decided to rest info a hotel. Maybe stanford has nothing to do with the death. Maybe stanford had to abide by HIPAA requirements and cannot comment. Why are you trying to divert attention away from yourself?

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I don't understand the urgency to release patients before they've recovered. Is it a bed shortage issue or just a money making scheme? Both?

My dad was recently in one of the local hospitals (I won't mention names) with an infection. He was released too soon, before the infection had healed. The hospital was full and my dad's bed was needed for the next patient. Without proper nursing care, the infection - which turned out to be much deeper than supposed, became worse and he almost died. He was sent back to the hospital where he's been for several months now. Maybe if they'd treated the infection properly in the first place my dad wouldn't have had to spend 5+ months in the hospital.

I loved John Heard in the movie "Big." I'm sorry he died alone in a hotel room in Palo Alto. Condolences to his family and friends.

Sally -- exactly. You have nothing to do with this. Why don't you wait for the facts to come out before you sling ridiculous accusations asst Stanford. You should become familiar with HIPAA regulations as well.

For the speculators:

There are X number of hotels in PA and the chances are he wasn't staying at some 'flea-bag' lodging.

Subtract (or disavow) those kinds of hotels and you will have a smaller number of possible lodging sites (perhaps 5 or less). Take into consideration proximity to Stanford Hospital, ease of accessibility and the number is now reduced even further.

Put 2+2 together and you will have your answer. Simple

Now it's down to about 1-2 hotels.

@ER/MD: Article above states that it was most likely the Sheraton Hotel.

His 22-year old son died last December: Web Link

This is so unfortunate. I wonder why there was no one with him after back surgery. Rest in peace, we remember you, John.

How very sad. What a wonderful actor. Bye bye John Heard...

It's in the Palo Alto Police blotter - unattended death at 625 El Camino Real on 7/21. That's the Sheraton address.

Web Link

John Heard was a consummate actor. I always enjoyed his work and he seemed like a good, decent man. I especially liked him in The Milagro Beanfield War, Big and Beaches. Dear John, rest in peace.