Naples - The sad certainty followed weeks of hope and fear: Domenico has died. This was announced by Francesco Petruzzi, the family's lawyer, on Saturday morning, February 21, 2026. The „Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli“ hospital, to which the Monaldi hospital belongs, also confirmed the little patient's death. Domenico had been undergoing treatment there for around 60 days after undergoing a heart transplant on December 23, 2025. According to the hospital management, there was a sudden and irreversible deterioration in his clinical condition.
On the morning of his death, Cardinal Mimmo Battaglia, the Archbishop of Naples, visited the hospital. He prayed at the mother's side and gave the child the last rites. Experts from all over Italy had already ruled out further treatment options in advance, and even a donor heart that was recently available in Bergamo could not be used for Domenico. In order to avoid therapeutic stubbornness, palliative care was initiated in consultation with the family and doctors. The child was connected to an ECMO machine until the end, which replaced his heart and lung function.
Investigations lead to Bolzano
The case has legal consequences and triggered a debate about safety protocols for organ transports. At the center of the investigation is the transport of the donor heart that was brought from Bolzano to Naples. Internal investigations and statements suggest that the organ was irreparably damaged by the use of dry ice instead of water ice. The public prosecutor's office is investigating six people, including doctors and paramedics, for serious negligent bodily harm - an accusation that could now become more serious.
The sympathy of the population and politicians is great. Citizens laid white flowers and balloons in front of the hospital. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Health Minister Orazio Schillaci expressed their condolences to the family and promised a complete investigation. Domenico's mother, Patrizia Mercolino, announced that she would set up a foundation in her son's name to help other children. Instead of donating money, she asked for support for the organ donor association AIDO.
