RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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A 2-year-old Houston girl whose case drew national attention after her family fought to prevent doctors from declaring her brain dead following a Memorial Day drowning incident has died after being taken off life support, her family confirmed.
Annelise Ramona Camp died Monday, Aug. 3, according to an update posted Tuesday on the f amily's GoFundMe page. She was 2 years old.
"Annelise is now with Jesus," her parents, Johnston and Joy Camp, wrote. "While our hearts are broken, we trust in His perfect love, His faithfulness, and His promises."
Annelise's grandfather also shared details about her final moments in a public post, saying she was taken off the ventilator Monday after spending nearly 10 weeks on life support following her Memorial Day drowning.
"This past Monday Annelise was extubated, taking out the tubes that kept her breathing these last ten weeks since her accidental drowning on Memorial Day," he wrote. "When this procedure was done, she passed very quickly."
Yesterday was literally the hardest day of my life. I don't think I have ever experienced anything harder. I was with the Camp family as they released baby Annelise into the arms of Jesus. My God, I can't even speak of how hard this was. She was the most precious 2-year-old baby.… pic.twitter.com/2WaBuJSOYo
Annelise's case captured national attention after her family sued Texas Children's Hospital to stop physicians from conducting brain death testing following a Memorial Day near-drowning. The lawsuit argued the family wanted more time to pursue additional treatment options and transfer her to another hospital.
Under Texas law, brain death is defined as the irreversible cessation of all brain function. Once a patient is declared brain dead, hospitals can legally withdraw life-sustaining treatment.
The case quickly became a flashpoint in the state's broader "right to life" movement. Paxton publicly backed the family, while Texas Right to Life joined their efforts. State Rep. Steve Toth , R-The Woodlands, also advocated for the Camps and argued the science surrounding brain death should continue to be debated.
In July, Annelise was transferred to Ochsner Children's Hospital in New Orleans after a court battle. Her family said she was showing "encouraging signs," including strong organ function and stable oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart rate while undergoing additional therapies.
The legal fight sparked widespread debate over whether Texas law allows families to refuse brain death testing while seeking alternative medical care for critically ill children.
In their statement Tuesday, Annelise's parents said they hope their daughter's story continues to inspire others.
"God used Annelise to touch countless lives, and we pray that her testimony continues to draw people closer to Christ while bringing hope to children and families facing similar circumstances," they wrote.
The family said a Celebration of Life service is planned for Aug. 12 at Houston's First Baptist Church. Additional details will be announced later.
Court documents previously cited by the Texas Tribune said the family opposed brain death testing and sought a transfer to another hospital for additional treatment. Texas Children's Hospital said it wanted to conduct testing to determine the next steps in Annelise's care and had no immediate plans to end treatment, according to FOX 26.
I’m grateful that 2½-year-old Annelise Camp has been accepted for transfer to Ochsner Children’s Hospital, where she can receive continued care and specialized treatment. I want to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at @OchsnerHealth for stepping in to help this young girl and… pic.twitter.com/ByzhrRTfNd
The legal fight raised questions about whether Texas law allows families to refuse brain death testing while seeking additional time and alternative medical care for a critically ill child.
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