Richard "Rick" Wader

Richard “Rick” Wader was a career first responder working a shift at South City Hospital when a frustrated woman punched him in the face and triggered a fatal “cardiac event,” according to charges filed Tuesday. The woman, 27-year-old Ariel E. Dilworth, faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter. She was frustrated with her care on Oct. 26, according to court documents, and she punched Wader as he tried to escort her out of the building. He died at St. Louis University Hospital, according to his obituary. The 45-year-old Potosi man’s death left a hole in the hearts of his family and the community he dedicated his life to serving, said Jennifer Price, who had been in a relationship with Wader for 11 years. “I know everybody says that their person is wonderful,” she said, “but he really was a cut above.” Wader worked as a paramedic, firefighter and educator for about 25 years. He mentored new students and led them by example, Price said, and he helped other paramedics work through particularly difficult cases. Police said surveillance video showed Dilworth punching Wader in the face around 3:45 a.m. Officials initially ruled his death non-criminal and suspicious, but weeks later a post-mortem exam determined the assault triggered his fatal cardiac event, court documents say. On Monday, a judge issued a warrant for Dilworth’s arrest. She was ordered held without bond.