The two boys in Greece who were pulled unconscious from the Arachthos River near the northwest city of Arta and had been hospitalized at the University Hospital of Patras have been declared brain dead, on Friday. Despite initial efforts by doctors to revive them, a second round of neurological tests dashed all remaining hopes for a miracle.
The 14-year-old and 12-year-old had been in critical condition in the pediatric ICU of the hospital in Rio, Patras, after a tragic swimming outing in the Arachthos River on Wednesday nearly cost them their lives.
Doctors confirmed the brain death of both friends and have already informed their families of the devastating outcome, according to Greece’s national broadcaster ERT.
In a heartbreaking yet heroic gesture, the parents of the 14-year-old — who had jumped into the river in a brave attempt to save his younger friend — agreed to donate his organs. Their decision will give the gift of life to five other children.
The two boys had been intubated and receiving intensive care following their rescue, which came only after a significant amount of time submerged in the river — a factor that ultimately proved critical in their prognosis.
