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Organ Harvest Attempted While Donor Was Alive
31 Oct
Summary
- Organ donation preparations continued despite signs of life.
- Federal review identified concerning patient safety practices.
- Network for Hope faces decertification due to violations.
In October 2021, Anthony Thomas "TJ" Hoover II, who was declared brain dead after a drug overdose, reportedly exhibited signs of life during preparations for organ donation. His sister, Donna Rhorer, testified that her brother thrashed and grabbed a doctor's hands, attempting to prevent organ retrieval.
The procedure was stopped after a physician refused to proceed. Nearly five years later, on August 5, 2026, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began decertifying Network for Hope, the organ procurement organization. This action followed a federal review of 351 cases between 2021 and 2024.
The review uncovered 103 cases with concerning patient safety practices. HHS cited issues with neurological assessments, communication, consent, and death classifications, particularly in overdose cases. These findings do not mean organs were removed from all patients but indicate systemic assessment and preparation problems.
Network for Hope, which coordinates donations in Kentucky and parts of Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia, faces termination of its Medicare agreement on November 3, 2026. The organization disputes aspects of the allegations, stating OPOs do not declare death and organ recovery requires an independent provider's declaration.
