In an unusual event, an eight-month-old girl was rushed back to a hospital after being found alive during her own funeral in Correia Pinto, Brazil. However, her parents faced heartbreak again when doctors declared her dead for a second time.
Kiara Crislayne de Moura dos Santos was admitted to Faustino Riscarolli Hospital on October 19, where doctors declared her dead early in the morning after finding no heartbeat or signs of breathing, according to a Daily Mail report.
Shortly after, funeral director Aureo Arruda Ramos and Kiara’s parents began funeral preparations. The funeral started at 7 pm on October 19. During the service, a mourner noticed Kiara’s hand moving in her open coffin. Upon touching her hand, the baby’s fingers curled, prompting an urgent effort to save her.
Paramedics attended to Kiara and found she still had a pulse, with an oxygen saturation level of 84%. They rushed her back to the hospital. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, her heart had stopped again, and she was declared dead for a second time.
Kiara’s father, Cristiano Santos, as quoted by Daily Mail, said, “We were devastated already. Then there came a little bit of hope, but then this ended up happening.”
The hospital is now under investigation by Brazil’s Scientific Police. The hospital admitted to pronouncing Kiara dead 16 hours before she was found with a pulse at the funeral. The hospital confirmed her death once more after her return.
Correia Pinto City Hall apologised to Kiara’s family and promised a full investigation. A spokesperson for the City Hall, as quoted by Daily Mail, said, “The Municipality of Correia Pinto reiterates its commitment to providing the best care for all citizens, and reinforces that, under no circumstances, can any professional issue certificates or statements without proper authentication of the patient’s condition. In addition, all health professionals are constantly oriented and trained, ensuring that people’s lives and well-being are always the priority.”
It remains unclear if Kiara’s parents will take legal action against the hospital, according to the Daily Mail report.
