A hospital in Iowa is facing a lawsuit after the family of a deceased Air Force veteran alleged that his organs and tissue were harvested without permission from him or his legal next of kin. The case has raised serious questions about consent and hospital procedures involving organ donation decisions.
Family Sues Iowa Hospital Over Alleged Unauthorized Organ Harvesting
According to the lawsuit, staff at CHI Health-Missouri Valley allegedly allowed the harvesting of a 69-year-old veteran’s organs, skin tissue, and eyes without obtaining proper authorization.
The deceased man, Martin Gillespie, was pronounced dead at the hospital on April 1, 2026, after arriving through emergency medical services.
Court documents claim Gillespie never gave permission during his lifetime for anatomical donations involving his body.
Daughters Say Hospital Ignored Legal Next Of Kin
The lawsuit was filed by Gillespie’s daughters, Christina Gubbels and Daun Stoddard.
According to the complaint, hospital staff allegedly failed to contact them despite having information confirming Gillespie had biological children.
Instead, the lawsuit claims the hospital incorrectly identified Gillespie’s aunt as the legal next of kin authorised to make donation decisions.
The daughters argue the aunt did not have legal authority or medical power of attorney to approve organ or tissue donation on his behalf.
Iowa Donor Network Allegedly Harvested Organs
Court documents state that the hospital made what was described as a “routine referral” to the Iowa Donor Network during the early morning hours after Gillespie’s death.
Later that same day, the lawsuit claims his organs, skin tissue, and eyes were removed.
After the procedures were completed, Gillespie’s body was reportedly transferred to a funeral home and cremated.
The family says they were never contacted before the donation procedures took place.
Family Seeking Financial Damages
The lawsuit accuses the hospital of malpractice, fraud, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Gillespie’s daughters are reportedly seeking more than $75,000 in damages.
The complaint states that both women were reasonably available to make medical and legal decisions regarding their father after his death.
According to the lawsuit, the family believes the hospital failed to follow proper consent procedures before authorising the donation process.
Veteran Remembered By Family
Martin Gillespie was described in his obituary as a proud United States Air Force veteran, father of three, and grandfather of eight.
Loved ones remembered him as a devoted family man who served his country and remained close to his children and grandchildren.
The case has drawn attention online due to the serious allegations involving consent and post-death medical procedures.
Hospital Has Not Publicly Responded
As of now, CHI Health-Missouri Valley has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
Reports indicate that requests for statements from the hospital and its communications department were not answered.
The legal case is expected to move forward in federal court in Iowa.
