Immediate Response and Cancellation
Surgeons at Baptist Health Richmond Hospital halted an organ retrieval operation when they realized the donor, Anthony Thomas “TJ” Hoover II, showed signs of life, including movement and visible tears.
Despite the cancellation, there was significant chaos and distress among medical staff, with two doctors refusing to participate and expressing discomfort over the situation.
Aftermath and Reactions
Witnesses and KODA employees, including Nyckoletta Martin, expressed horror and concern over the incident, leading some to quit their jobs. They highlighted the need for better protections for potential organ donors.
The Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates () and Baptist Health Richmond have denied allegations of misconduct, with KODA stating they do not recover organs from living patients. The incident is under review by the Kentucky state attorney general’s office.