Organ Donor Wakes Up During Heart Removal Procedure: Investigation Underway

In a bizarre and shocking turn of events, a 36-year-old man declared brain dead woke up just as doctors were about to remove his heart for organ donation. The incident occurred in October 2021 at Baptist Health Richmond Hospital in Kentucky, where Thomas “TJ” Hoover II had been admitted following a drug overdose. The situation, now under investigation, has raised alarming questions about organ donor procedures and patient safety.

The Nightmarish Discovery

Hoover, after being declared brain dead, was wheeled into the operating room where medical staff prepared to remove his heart and other organs for donation. Just as doctors were set to begin, Hoover showed unmistakable signs of life. Witnesses reported him “thrashing” on the table and visibly crying. Natasha Miller, a Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) employee, recounted the scene to NPR: “He was moving around, kind of thrashing. And when we went over there, you could see he had tears coming down. He was crying visibly.”

The incident stunned the medical team, including the two doctors scheduled to perform the organ retrieval. Both refused to proceed, citing the disturbing nature of Hoover’s condition.

Ethical Concerns and Call for Action

The reaction from KODA, according to multiple witnesses, only compounded the alarm. Miller and Nyckoletta Martin, another former KODA employee, stated that the organization’s coordinator pressed for the procedure to continue despite Hoover’s apparent signs of life. “The coordinator was telling the supervisor that we needed to ‘find another doctor to do it,’” Miller explained. The urgency to move forward with the procedure left several hospital workers disturbed and worried about the ethical implications of the case.

Martin, who later testified before Congress, voiced her deep concerns about the state of organ donation processes. “It’s horrifying to think that these kinds of mistakes can happen, and worse, that they could be allowed to happen under pressure,” she said.

Investigation Launched

The incident is now under review by both the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Health Services Resources Administration. These agencies are investigating whether there were any violations of medical ethics or procedural guidelines regarding the harvesting of organs.

KODA and Baptist Health Richmond have denied any wrongdoing. Julie Bergen, President and Chief Operating Officer of Network for Hope—an organization formed from the merger of KODA and LifeCenter Organ Donation Network—issued a statement: “No one at KODA has ever been pressured to collect organs from a living patient. KODA does not recover organs from living patients, and no one has ever been pressured to do so.”

Baptist Health Richmond echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to patient safety. “The safety of our patients is always our highest priority. We work closely with families to ensure that the wishes of patients regarding organ donation are followed appropriately,” a hospital spokesperson told NPR.

A Miraculous Survival

Despite being declared brain dead and nearly having his organs harvested, Hoover survived the ordeal. His sister, Donna Rhorer, has since taken on the role of his legal guardian, as Hoover struggles with memory loss and other health complications. She revealed that the family was unaware of the close call until they were contacted by Nyckoletta Martin earlier this year. Rhorer recalled how Hoover had shown signs of life while being moved from the ICU to the operating room, including opening his eyes and attempting to communicate.

“They told me it was just a reflex,” Rhorer said, “but I knew something wasn’t right.”

Against all odds, Hoover defied the grim prognosis doctors initially gave. While his recovery has been slow, he is now living with Rhorer, although he continues to face challenges with walking, talking, and memory. The ordeal has left the family shaken, and they are now seeking legal counsel.

Broader Implications for Organ Donation

This case has opened a wider discussion about the procedures surrounding organ donation and the safeguards in place to protect both donors and recipients. Organ donation is a vital medical practice that saves thousands of lives annually, but this case raises questions about how brain death is determined and whether sufficient protocols are in place to prevent such alarming situations from occurring.

KODA’s defense of their procedures has not quieted the controversy. Public confidence in organ donation systems is crucial, and this incident has brought to light the potential risks involved when standard practices fail. Witnesses like Martin and Miller have urged for a reevaluation of the current procedures to ensure that no other donor faces a similar fate.

Ongoing Legal and Medical Review

As the Kentucky Attorney General’s office continues its investigation, many in the medical community are awaiting the results, which could lead to stricter regulations and guidelines for organ retrieval. Advocates for organ donation stress that incidents like this are rare, but they highlight the importance of maintaining rigorous standards.

Hoover’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the need for heightened awareness and scrutiny in organ donation processes. What began as a routine procedure turned into a harrowing experience for all involved, and the repercussions are likely to influence organ donation practices in Kentucky and beyond.