10-year-old boy declared brain dead by CHOP passes away
PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Jayden Auyeung, a 10-year-old boy previously declared brain dead by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, has died, according to the family's lawyer.
Prior to Jayden's death, the Auyeung family had filed an emergency injunction to keep their son on life support.
Though the cause of death is unknown at this time, it was confirmed Saturday that Jayden's life support had not been removed, per a court order.
Jayden, who fought a motor neuron disease that confined him to a wheelchair, was declared brain dead after suffering cardiac arrest.
In a legal battle with CHOP, attorney Chris Bagnato pushed for a religious exemption to New Jersey state law, which distinguishes between brain dead and clinically dead.
On Saturday, Bagnato released the following statement:
"It was confirmed that Jayden Auyeung passed away this afternoon. We do not know the exact cause of death as of yet. It is too early to tell. But we do know that Jayden's life support was not removed from him. The Courts Stay preventing removal was still in place. God Bless him and his family during this very difficult time."
A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover the family's medical expenses. Those who wish to donate can do so here.