In a shocking turn of events, a Kentucky man who was declared dead and slated for organ retrieval suddenly awakened, prompting a chaotic scene in the operating room. The incident, which occurred in October 2021 at Baptist Health hospital in Richmond, has raised serious questions about the procedures surrounding organ donation.
Natasha Miller, an organ preservationist present during the incident, recounted the startling moment: “He was moving around — thrashing on the bed, and tears were visibly streaming down his face.” Doctors had prepared to harvest the organs of 36-year-old Anthony Thomas “TJ” Hoover II after he was admitted following a drug overdose, but two physicians quickly recognized that he was still alive and refused to proceed.
“The procuring surgeon said, ‘I’m out of it. I don’t want to have anything to do with it,’” Miller recalled, highlighting the chaos and emotional turmoil among medical staff.
Hoover’s sister, Donna Rhorer, shared her distress over the events leading up to the operating room. As her brother was wheeled away, she noticed him opening his eyes and appearing aware of his surroundings. “It was like he was letting us know, ‘Hey, I’m still here,’” she said.
After signs of life were detected, Miller reported that the case coordinator contacted her supervisor, who insisted on finding another doctor to evaluate the situation. Ultimately, the organ retrieval was canceled, and Hoover now lives with Rhorer, his legal guardian.
The incident left a profound impact on KODA workers, with some resigning in the aftermath. Nyckoletta Martin, an organ preservationist who learned of the case, expressed her fears about the potential for similar situations in the future. “It’s terrifying that these things can happen,” she told NPR, noting her alarm over a lack of safeguards for donors.
In a letter to Congress, Martin detailed the incident, which was referenced during a hearing held by the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September. Witnesses spoke about the broader implications for organ donation procedures, with one medical professional recounting a similar near-miss case where a patient declared brain dead was found to have shown signs of life during surgery.
With over 103,000 individuals awaiting transplants in the U.S., the Biden administration has announced plans to reform the organ procurement system, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is currently investigating the allegations surrounding Hoover’s case.
The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office is also looking into the incident, with AG Russell Coleman stating that they are collaborating with law enforcement to review the facts and determine an appropriate response.
Since leaving the hospital, Hoover has faced challenges with memory, mobility, and speech, adding to Rhorer’s distress. “I feel betrayed,” she said. “They were telling us he was brain dead, and then he wakes up. It feels like they’re playing God.”
As the investigation continues, the healthcare community is grappling with the implications of this alarming case and its potential to reshape organ donation protocols.
