(The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) -- Controversy in the death of a 25-year-old man has pitted a family active in the metro Atlanta church community against a major medical facility over a procedure generally regarded to pose little threat.

Family members have hurled accusations of medical negligence after Brandon Harris of Stone Mountain died in late January during a sleep study at Emory Healthcare.

Renee "Sunshine" Lewis, Harris' mother, said staff did not properly watch over her son, and he repeatedly gestured for help. Harris' family members are calling for the clinic to be closed until a full review is performed.

"We never knew he'd be dead," Lewis said. "Brandon did not receive the appropriate care from [the sleep center]. Actually, in my opinion, he received no care at all."

Emory, in a statement, said that Harris died of sudden cardiac arrest and the hospital attended to him appropriately.

The DeKalb County medical examiner's office conducted its inquiry and concluded there was no reason to pursue further investigation. "He had significant medical problems. ... He had a medical history that could explain a sudden death," said Paul Kelhofer, the medical examiner's office director.

Harris entered the center Jan. 22 and was dead by the next morning. Family members held a news conference and a protest. Lewis acknowledged her son had medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, but said he was using medication.

Harris was brought to Emory for sleep apnea, which is a pause in breathing or shallow breathes during sleep.

Emory said Harris was an outpatient in a study performed on "medically stable patients who are observed sleeping by trained providers." The tests are considered safe. No drugs are administered. Sensors typically monitor heart rhythms, brain waves and eye movements, officials said.

However, John Lewis, Harris' uncle, said the hospital allowed him to watch video of his nephew at the center and he said there was negligence in monitoring Harris. The tape showed Harris waving seven times over 40 minutes apparently to draw attention but no one responded, Lewis said.

An employee came when he removed sensors from his body. Harris walked to a restroom and the employee left, and he returned to bed. Three employees later entered and Harris appeared in discomfort. He tried to get up, lost his balance and fell, bringing emergency personnel, the uncle said.

Copyright 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution