The baby at the center of a life support battle at Texas Children’s Hospital has died after being released on Tuesday, according to tragic reports.
Dr. Joseph Varon, doctor at the hospital, said that baby Nick Torres was released to the custody of his family and had been home for just two hours before his heart stopped beating and he passed away.
“The family surrounded the baby. They were praying,” Dr. Varon said. “Everyone was very respectful and praying. Eventually, when I said he had flat-lined, I disconnected him from the respirator. They were very emotional. The last thing you want to see is your children go through this.”
10-month-old Nick had been the subject of a legal fight for the past few weeks after being found unresponsive on September 24 when he was left unattended in a bathtub.
Nick was then declared brain dead by doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital on September 30. They wanted to remove the young boy from life support, but his parents argued that his heart was still beating and therefore he should be kept alive. They sued the hospital to keep him on life support.
The case was put before judges, who eventually ruled in the hospital’s favor. They then released Nick “with the full approval and authorization” of the Harris County Medical Examiner.
Dr. Varon, for his part, said he was surprised how long Nick held on for after being released from the hospital.
“As a clinician, I’m going to say it’s just basic science,” he explained.
“This is just a natural evolution that was going to happen. Now, the timing is what calls my attention, to be honest with you. It would appear the baby waited until he got home to move on.”
Whenever a baby is taken from the world it is a tragedy. My heart bleeds for the family of Nick Torres.
Share this article to send love and strength to them, and to say rest in peace to baby Nick!
