[Troublemaker]

The sad thing is that there are a number of "self-spotting" racks & machines on the market today. Indeed, what a terrible way to go.

[Wisconsin155]

It is my understanding that most of these types of self spotters have hooks attached to the bar. You simply twist the bar and it catches on the spotting rack. Probably wouldn't of helped him in the middle of a heart failure. And Nautalis type machines typically can't handle that much weight anyway.

As for the weight, yes you should have a spotter, but that could of been a comfortable set for him. He might not of even considered it hard. I personally wouldn't bother with a spot on 225lbs. I'm sure a former Pro player can throw around 250 easily enough. That being said, if I'm at home alone, I switch to dumbbells. Why risk it?