A high school baseball star who was injured in a freak accident in the school's batting cages has been declared brain dead, nearly two weeks after he was hit in the head with a bat and put into a coma.
Jeremy Medina, 18, remains on life support at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, according to Dr. Michael Cormican, director of surgical intensive care at the hospital.
Medina was put into a medically induced coma after being hit in the head on November 20. The teenager played for the Red Elephants as a pitcher and catcher.
Gainesville High School principal Jamie Green explained that the accident happened when Medina leaned against the batting cage net just as the batter swung.
At a news conference Wednesday, Cormican explained how the medical team came to the decision to declare the teen brain dead.
Jeremy Medina, 18, was declared brain dead for almost two weeks after he was accidentally hit in the head with a baseball bat and put into an induced coma
The high school baseball star played for the Red Elephants as a pitcher and catcher. He fell unconscious after leaning into the net at the batting cage at the same time the batter swung
Medina's family spoke at a news conference Wednesday. Present were uncle Efrahim 'Frank' Medina, father David Medina, brother David Medina Jr. and Aunt Ludin DeAza (left to right)
Through a 'highly disciplined' process, doctors looked for evidence of brain function through reflexes and breathing and used imaging to assess blood flow to the brain. He was pronounced dead on Sunday.
“The initial trauma to his head was significant and caused him to lose consciousness, and as he lost consciousness he lost his ability to maintain his airway,” Cormican said.
He said Medina's prognosis was “not unique” to a significant head injury.
The teen's father, David Medina, uncle Efrahim “Frank” Medina, aunt Ludin DeAza and brother David Jr. were all present at the conference, along with dozens of supporters.
Medina's relatives sat with their heads bowed. At one point, David Jr. pulled out. his sweatshirt over his face as he cried.
The family announced they would honor Medina's wish to donate his organs.
“Before his passing, Jeremy made the decision to give the gift of life by registering as an organ and tissue donor when he received his driver's license,” Frank Medina said.
“Not only will lives be saved and improved, the families, friends and communities of those who receive his organs and tissues will be forever impacted by the memories made possible by a second chance at life.”
He added that loved ones will take a walk of honor with Medina's body as it is taken to the operating room for organ donation procedures, after which he will be buried.
Before his death, the young athlete registered as an organ and tissue donor
Frank Medina said loved ones will take a walk of honor as Medina's body is taken to the operating room for the donation of his organs
David Medina said the family had leaned on their religious faith throughout the ordeal and reiterated that his son's injuries were the result of an accident
Principal Green said counselors and social workers will be available to students and staff to support them “for as long as needed.”
He thanked Medina's family for informing the teen's baseball teammates, coaches and teachers of his death earlier that morning.
“You have been a great inspiration to us, with your faith and your leadership,” Green said. “It has helped me lead this school community through this very challenging time.”
Cormican also praised their strength and said he was particularly moved as he himself was the father of a teenage boy.
“It was inspiring to see how they handled this with grace and prayer,” Cormican said.
When David Medina took the stage and introduced himself as “Jeremy's dad,” his voice cracked.
He said the family had leaned on their religious faith during the heartbreaking ordeal and insisted his son's injuries were the result of an accident.
The same day, Gainesville High School posted a message that read in part: “Jeremy Medina's life will forever impact the lives of our entire community. His death will mean a new life as an organ donor for many others. Please continue to pray for the Medina family.”
Included in the post was a photo of Medina's senior yearbook and an accompanying portrait.
Gainesville Theater Troupe 2445 announced that their Dec. 6 performance of Cinderella would be held in honor of the baseball star, and that a portion of the boutique sales would go to Medina's family.
Dr. Michael Cormican, director of surgical intensive care at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, praised the family for their strength
Days after the accident, Medina's brother posted a video on Instagram of them playing as children. He captioned the post: 'Please wake up for me'
Gainesville High School Principal Jamie Green said counselors will be available to staff and students as they process the news of Medina's death
Community members rallied around Medina and his family long before the announcement of his death.
Supporters used the hashtags '#pray4jeremy' and '#OneGainesville' as they waited with bated breath for him to recover.
Adam Miller, Medina's former coach, called the teen a “great kid, great teammate and great ball player” in a Facebook post.
“His smile and love for the game is something I will never forget. He and his family have been a blessing to me,” Miller wrote, encouraging others to pray for him.
The 17-year-old's love for the sport was evident on social media, where he regularly posted photos of himself in his baseball uniform.
Medina's brother, a fellow baseball player, posted a video of the duo roughing it as kids to his Instagram Story a few days after the accident.
The video was captioned: “Please wake up for me.”