DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Admit one · Blog

TJ Hoover: Witnesses Say He Showed Signs of Life Before Organ Retrieval

A planned organ retrieval for TJ Hoover was canceled in 2021 after family members and hospital personnel reported signs he might be regaining awareness. Later federal findings raised broader safety concerns in reviewed Kentucky cases, while some allegations about Hoover’s case remain disputed.
Opened Runtime4 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In October 2021, an organ-retrieval operation planned for TJ Hoover at Baptist Health Richmond in Kentucky was canceled after family members and hospital personnel reported signs that he might be regaining awareness. Hoover did not undergo the retrieval. Later accounts raised serious questions about what happened, but allegations about pressure on staff remain disputed.

What witnesses said happened to TJ Hoover

Hoover was admitted to Baptist Health Richmond after a drug overdose in October 2021. His sister, Donna Rhorer, said she told staff he was a registered organ donor. During the “honor walk” toward the operating room, family members saw his eyes open. They said staff told them it could be a reflex.

Organ preservationist Natasha Miller later described Hoover moving and thrashing and appearing to cry in the operating room. PEOPLE reported in October 2024 that two physicians reportedly declined to participate, the planned retrieval was canceled, and the family took Hoover home. These details come from witness and family accounts; the reported signs do not by themselves establish a medical diagnosis or settle every disputed detail of the case.

Witnesses alleged that personnel from the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) pressured staff to proceed. KODA denied pressuring anyone to collect organs from a living patient. Julie Bergin, then president and chief operating officer of Network for Hope, said: “No one at KODA has ever been pressured to collect organs from any living patient.” The allegation and denial should not be collapsed into a proven finding.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why the type of donation matters

The 2025 congressional hearing record explains that Hoover’s case involved donation after circulatory death (DCD), which is different from donation after brain death. In DCD, a patient may retain brain function while on life support. Life support is withdrawn, and organ recovery is supposed to begin only after death has occurred.

Donation after circulatory death

In DCD, the decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment is distinct from the donation process. Death must be determined before organ recovery begins. The hearing record describes this distinction because a patient can have brain function before the circulatory-death process is complete.

Donation after brain death

Donation after brain death follows a different pathway: death is determined by neurologic criteria rather than the circulatory process used in DCD. The congressional record’s distinction is important here; accounts of Hoover’s eyes opening or movement do not, on their own, tell readers what formal medical assessment occurred or establish the precise clinical status at each point.

What the federal review found—and what its numbers mean

In September 2025, the House Energy and Commerce Committee said the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) reviewed 351 Kentucky cases and identified 103 with “concerning features,” or about 29.3% of that reviewed set. The committee described concerns involving patient-family interactions, medical assessments, interactions among teams, recognition of high neurologic function, and documentation of drugs. These are findings about cases reviewed; they are not a national prevalence rate, nor do they establish that every case involved a living patient when retrieval was planned.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
12 Pcs - 3 Inch Organ Donor Awareness Stickers, Donate Life Green Ribbon Vinyl Decals, Be an Organ Donor Quotes, Waterproof Stickers for Laptop, Water Bottle, Car, Notebook
  • MAKE IT UNIQUELY YOURS: Personalize your everyday items with these high-quality vinyl stickers. Perfect for hard hats, laptops, water bottles, toolboxes, phone cases, helmets, cars, bikes, and more. Crafted from durable, waterproof vinyl, they withstand harsh conditions while maintaining their vibrant look. The strong adhesive ensures a firm hold but removes cleanly without residue. Whether you want to showcase your profession, humor, or interests, these decals let you express yourself effortlessly.
  • IDEAL GIFT OPTION: Looking for a fun and thoughtful gift? These stickers are perfect for anyone who loves to personalize their space! With a mix of humorous, inspirational, and quirky designs, they make great gifts for kids, teens, and adults—whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because. Surprise your friends, family, coworkers, teachers, or students with a sticker that matches their personality. Available in five sizes (2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5, and 6x6 inches) and packs of up to three stickers, there’s a perfect option for every style. Decorate laptops, water bottles, phone cases, hard hats, and more with a unique touch that makes a statement! 🚀
  • SUPERIOR QUALITY, WEATHERPROOF & UV-RESISTANT: Made from high-quality vinyl, these die-cut stickers are built to last. Waterproof, UV-resistant, and highly durable, they won’t fade, peel, or fall off—even in extreme weather conditions. The strong adhesive backing ensures a secure hold on both flat and curved surfaces, making them perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Easy to apply and remove without leaving residue or damage, these stickers maintain their vibrant colors and flawless finish wherever you place them. 🚀
  • GREAT FOR ANY OCCASION – Personalize any event or profession with these high-quality vinyl stickers. Perfect for weddings, graduations, retirements, company events, school activities, and sports teams, they add a unique touch and create lasting memories. Ideal for electricians, linemen, and construction workers, these stickers let you customize hard hats, toolboxes, vehicles, and more. 🎁🚀
  • 12 Pcs - 3 Inch Organ Donor Awareness Stickers, Donate Life Green Ribbon Vinyl Decals, Be an Organ Donor Quotes, Waterproof Stickers for Laptop, Water Bottle, Car, Notebook
Reported figure What it refers to Important qualification
103 of 351 cases The House committee’s 2025 summary of HRSA’s review: cases with “concerning features.” About 29.3% of the 351 cases examined; not a national rate and not proof that every case involved a living patient.
73 cases The Washington Post’s August 5, 2026 report of cases with neurological signs it described as incompatible with donation. A separate characterization in later reporting. The available account does not establish how these 73 cases overlap with the committee’s 103.

The counts describe different reported findings and should not be added together or treated as interchangeable. The later federal review supports broader patient-safety concerns in reviewed Kentucky cases; it does not prove every disputed allegation about Hoover’s case, including the allegation of pressure to proceed.

What happened to Hoover afterward

PEOPLE reported in October 2024 that Hoover was alive and being cared for by Rhorer, with difficulty walking, talking, and remembering. The 2025 congressional hearing record also described lingering neurological injuries. Those are dated reports, not a statement about Hoover’s current medical condition.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Federal action reported in 2026

As of The Washington Post’s August 5, 2026 report, the Department of Health and Human Services had begun proceedings to decertify Network for Hope, which succeeded KODA after a merger. That was a pending administrative process in the report, not a completed decertification. Network for Hope said it strongly disagreed and would appeal.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said of the action: “When an organization entrusted with the gift of life repeatedly puts patients at risk, the federal government has the duty to act, and that’s why we’re acting today.” The quoted statement explains the administration’s position; the organization contested the action, and the reported proceeding had not reached a completed outcome as of that date.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Sale
WSNANG Organ Donation Appreciation Gift Green Ribbon Mental Health Awareness Bracelet Kidney Donor Transplant Gift (GreenRibbonBracelet )
  • ❤Perfect Gifts❤Perfect for anyone looking to make a difference and raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. Encourage others in supporting the crucial cause of organ donation.
  • ❤Inspirational Gift ❤ This message engraved with”I am not weak. I am not helpless. I am strong.I cannot be broken.I am a survivor”. Cute ideas for organ donor recipient and organ transplant warrior. Green ribbon to support heart liver lung pancreas or kidney organ donation. Show your admiration for those fighting cancer or for those providing support. Present this bracelet during any part of the cancer fighting process to show your determination to find a cure.
  • ❤Material❤Motivational Gift is made of stainless steel.It's lead free and nickel free, hypoallergenic, it doesn’t rust, change color or tarnish.
  • ❤Size❤The bracelet is 6.0 cm in diameter. It fit most wrist.. the message cards is 7*9 cm in diameter. Manual measuring permissible error .
  • ❤PACKAGE❤Each nice Gift Comes in a Elegant velvet jewelry pouches and ready for gift giving.

What remains unresolved

The reviewed accounts do not establish the current outcome of the Kentucky attorney general’s separate review. Nor do they establish every disputed detail of what KODA personnel said or did in Hoover’s case. Dorrie Dils, president of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, said: “Obviously we want to ensure that individuals are, in fact, dead when organ donation is proceeding.” The broader HRSA findings and the individual allegations are distinct parts of the story.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

  1. David Attenborough Disgusted by AI Clone of His VoiceAdmit one · BlogDavid Attenborough Disgusted by AI Clone of His VoiceOpened08 OCT 2026Runtime3 min
  2. Manchester City vs. Ipswich 2024 livestream: Was it free to watch?Admit one · BlogManchester City vs. Ipswich 2024 livestream: Was it free to watch?Opened08 OCT 2026Runtime3 min
  3. Channel 1 Said It Would Use AI-Generated News Anchors. What Was Announced—and What’s Known NowAdmit one · BlogChannel 1 Said It Would Use AI-Generated News Anchors. What Was Announced-and What's Known NowOpened08 OCT 2026Runtime4 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.