Location: Houston, Texas.
A tragic incident has concluded with the passing of a two-year-old girl, Annelise Camp, who was at the center of a legal battle. Her parents, Johnston and Joy Camp, had sued a Texas hospital to prevent testing for brain death after she drowned in a hotel pool on Memorial Day.
“Annelise is now with Jesus,” her parents shared in a statement. Despite their heartbreak, they expressed faith in divine love and faithfulness.
The Camp family believed Annelise still displayed signs of life and sought additional time for recovery and exploration of treatment options. Breathing tubes were removed from her on Monday, with her grandfather Steve Camp noting her rapid passing following the procedure.
A church service for Annelise is planned for next Wednesday in Houston.
Texas Right to Life supported the family, saying their legal victory granted two additional months with Annelise and an opportunity for potential recovery. The organization celebrated the extra time given to the family.
Annelise was found unconscious in the pool and taken to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Her parents quickly sought court intervention to prevent brain death testing, citing that her heart was beating, although reliant on a ventilator.
The family’s plea included a request to transfer Annelise to another hospital for further treatment. Despite interest from one facility, 35 out of 36 contacted hospitals declined, requiring brain death testing for transfer. Eventually, Annelise was moved to Louisiana before returning to Texas for treatment at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler.
Texas law categorizes brain death as irreversible cessation of brain function, permitting hospitals to discontinue life-sustaining measures accordingly. Johnston Camp emphasized the importance of time, suggesting Annelise showed vital signs and improvements during her medical ordeal.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also voiced support, stating Annelise deserved medical care committed to fighting for her life.
Meanwhile, in July, the Camps shared online updates of encouraging signs in Louisiana, exploring options including specialized treatments.