Kentucky AG launches criminal probe after conscious man nearly has organs harvested

A man in Kentucky woke up on an operating room table as clinicians were shaving his chest and discussing how best to harvest his organs.

Anthony “TJ” Hoover, then 33, found himself terrified, shaking his head and staring at the nurses as they applied surgical solution to his body. Luckily, this was enough to convince the surgeons that he was not ready to die.

Weeks later, he walked out of the hospital with his family. Now, three years later, questions remain about the protocols at Baptist Health in Richmond, Kentucky, and the donor organization Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA).

In its report on the incident, CNN stated that both declined to be interviewed. KODA has since merged with another donor group, changing its name to Network for Hope. In a statement, Network for Hope said it “remains confident that accepted practices and approved protocols were followed.” It also claimed that the case has been “inaccurately represented,” including by “individuals never involved with this case.”

The disturbing details have prompted a criminal investigation by Kentucky’s attorney general. TJ said when he was declared brain-dead and unresponsive by clinicians at Baptist Health, he was conscious and aware of discussions about pulling his life support and harvesting his organs.

His family stated that KODA reached out to them with a sales pitch about how many lives TJ could save if they harvested his organs sooner rather than later.

TJ is registered as an organ donor with the state. And despite being declared dead on his medical record, he is now sharing his story. 

For a lot more on this incident, read the full feature from CNN at the link below.