In Death, 42-Yr-Old Bengaluru Woman Saves Several Lives By Donating Liver, Kidneys, Heart, And Eyes

A devoted wife and mother, the woman tragically lost her life in a road accident. Yet, in a remarkable act of generosity, her family chose to donate her organs, saving the lives of multiple individuals.

Organ donation after road accident and brain death: A 42-year-old woman from Bengaluru, a road accident victim, tragically lost her life, but ended up saving the lives of many others in a final act of generosity. The victim -- a devoted wife and mother to an eight-year-old son -- had a road accident in March 2025, in which she sustained severe injuries. She was brought to Ramaiah Memorial Hospital in a critical condition, with a traumatic brain injury. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the woman was declared brain dead. Despite being in shock and acute grief, her family made the selfless decision to donate her organs, ensuring that her liver, kidneys, heart, and eyes offer a second chance at life to other critically-ill patients.

According to a statement made by Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, a 64-year-old patient, who had been suffering from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver cirrhosis since 2019 -- and had been complaining of refractory ascites and hepatorenal syndrome (an advanced liver disease characterised by rapid kidney failure) -- received the deceased woman's liver, while one of her kidneys was transplanted into the body of a 32-year-old patient. The rest of her organs were sent to other hospitals in accordance with organ donation regulations.

Explaining liver transplantation as part of the deceased donor liver transplantation process, Dr Jagadeesh Krishnamurthy, a consultant surgeon, liver transplantation, HPB & GI surgery, department of surgical gastroenterology at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital said, as mentioned in the statement: "[The patient] had been suffering from liver cirrhosis and was on the waiting list of liver transplantation for about a year. His condition was worsening. But, we were able to manage his condition with oral medications and physiotherapy.

"When we learned about the unfortunate accident wherein [a woman] was declared brain dead and could not be saved, we spoke with her family about the possibility of organ donation that would help us save at least six lives. Following their positive decision, we harvested her liver and found a match for [our patient]. We admitted him immediately, and a multi-disciplinary surgical and medical team ensured that he stayed safe while undergoing an eight-hour transplant surgery. The patient has completely recovered now, and has been home since last month."

The doctor also said that organ transplantation surgeries can be risky and complex, but also safe, when it is from a 'living donor'. "One organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation."

Dr Jagadeesh added that according to the official data, Karnataka ranks second in organ donations. "[But] with thousands awaiting transplant of various organs, the gap between donations and requirements remains huge. As a qualified and skilled transplant surgeon, I urge every citizen to consider organ donation and participate in gifting hope and a new life to someone in need."