Chimp attack victim in medically induced coma

STAMFORD, Conn. — The brother of a woman mauled by a 200-pound chimpanzee in Connecticut last week has been appointed her conservator while she remains in a medically induced coma.

Michael Nash was named temporary conservator of his 55-year-old twin sister, Charla, on Tuesday. Charla Nash was critically injured on Feb. 16 when a chimpanzee owned by her friend, Sandra Herold of Stamford, attacked her.

In the order, Stamford Probate Judge Gerald M. Fox Jr. says Nash is in grave condition at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio with serious injuries to her face, head and hands.

In court papers, Michael Nash says the conservator status is needed to protect his sister's ability to recover damages in future litigation. He did not say whom he would sue.