Texas Toddler at Center of Brain-Death Dispute Dies After Life Support Removed
Annelise Camp, 2, died after life support was withdrawn, ending a legal battle over brain-death testing in Texas.
A two-year-old girl at the heart of a contentious legal battle over brain-death testing in Texas has died. Annelise Camp's family confirmed her passing this week, stating she "is now with Jesus." Her parents, Johnston and Joy Camp, expressed heartbreak but said they trust in divine love and faithfulness.
Annelise was found unconscious in a Houston hotel pool on Memorial Day and was subsequently admitted to Texas Children's Hospital. Her parents sought a court injunction to prevent doctors from conducting brain-death tests, arguing she showed signs of life and deserved more time for potential recovery. A judge initially granted a temporary injunction in their favor.
According to her grandfather, Steve Camp, breathing tubes were removed on Monday, and she "passed very quickly" afterward. The family had previously transferred Annelise to a hospital in Louisiana, where they reported "encouraging signs" and were exploring specialized treatments.
The case drew support from Texas Right to Life and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The organization noted the legal victory afforded the family two extra months with Annelise. Texas law defines brain death as the irreversible cessation of brain function, which permits hospitals to withdraw life-sustaining measures. Court documents indicated that while Annelise's heart was beating, she was ventilator-dependent. Texas Children's Hospital had contacted numerous facilities about a transfer, but most declined without brain-death testing.
A church service for Annelise is scheduled for next Wednesday in Houston. The family has not disclosed the specific reason for removing life support.