Italian toddler dies after receiving donor heart suspected to be frost-damaged

Two-year-old Domenico died after a December heart transplant whose donor organ failed to function, and prosecutors have opened an investigation with six medics under formal scrutiny.

Two-year-old Domenico has died after a heart transplant at Monaldi Hospital in Naples. He was born with cardiomyopathy and had been on life support for two months after the operation. The family and their lawyer say the donated heart never functioned properly and they suspect it was damaged during transport. Prosecutors have opened an investigation and six medical staff are under formal scrutiny. Key known details: - Domenico died after two months on life support following a December transplant. - The donated heart did not start working after the operation, according to the family’s lawyer. - Prosecutors have opened an investigation and six medics are under formal scrutiny. - The donor organ came from a young child and was transported from Bolzano to Naples, and the family suspects it was damaged in transit. Summary: The child's death has prompted a formal probe by prosecutors into possible organ damage during transport. The family’s lawyer has said a foundation will be set up in Domenico’s name. Undetermined at this time.