A high school baseball star was pronounced brain-dead after he was accidentally hit in the head with a baseball bat.
The community of Gainesville, Georgia, was left devastated after Jeremy Medina was hit with a bat during a routine practice session on November 20, leaving him in a coma ever since.
According to the New York Post, his family has made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support, with the 18-year-old becoming an organ donor.
Jeremy, who played on the Red Elephants as a catcher and pitcher, was reportedly pursuing his passion for baseball when the tragedy happened.
Reports revealed that he leaned into a batting cage net while his teammate took swings.
His teammate’s swing sadly struck Jeremy in the head.
Gainesville High School Principal Jamie Green said that there was no misconduct, horseplay or intent involved in the incident.
Doctors looked for evidence of brain function through breathing and reflexes. They also used imaging to assess blood flow to Jeremy’s brain.
“Initial trauma to his head was significant and caused him to lose consciousness and as he lost consciousness he lost his ability to maintain his airway,” said Dr. Michael Cormican from Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
He also explained that Jeremy’s prognosis was ‘not unique’ for a significant injury to the brain.
The teen’s family faced the devastating decision to turn off his life support after he was declared brain dead.
They also said that they would honor Jeremy’s wishes to donate his organs.
His uncle, Frank Medina, said: “Before his passing, Jeremy made the decision to give the gift of life by registering as an organ and tissue donor when he received his driver’s license.
“Not only will lives be saved and improved, the family members, friends, and communities of those who receive his organs and tissues will be forever impacted by the memories made possible thanks to a second chance at life.”
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