[8mmMauser]

Emilio Gonzales, R.I. P.

Baby Emilio has died of natural causes.

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AUSTIN (AP) - A toddler whose mother fought to continue his medical care while doctors sought to end the life-sustaining measures has died of natural causes.

19-month-old Emilio Gonzales died in his mother's arms last night at Children's Hospital of Austin.

Emilio had been on a respirator since December and his illness set in motion a debate over who should decide the course of end-of-life care.

He was believed to have Leigh's disease, which destroys brain functions. Doctors said there was not hope of recovery for Emilio. The hospital wanted to invoke a state law allowing it to stop life support after a 10-day notice for patients deemed medically futile.

But Emilio's mother, Catarina Gonzales, contested the diagnosis. Gonzales has said she knew her son would die one day but wanted doctors to continue care. She said her son smiled and turned his head when he heard voices.

A hearing on Emilio's fate had been set for May 30.

Toddler at center of legal fight dies

8mm

[8mmMauser]

Another account...

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.....................The hospital said his condition deteriorated Saturday afternoon. He then died sometime between 7 and 8 pm on Saturday at Children's Hospital with his mother, Catarina, by his side.

He was not removed from life support.

KXAN spoke with Catarina on Saturday, and she is understandably distraught.

Emilio was the center of a life-support debate. His mother didn't want to have him removed from life support, while the hospital argued that the life-support machines were actually hurting Emilio. The matter was still working its way through the legal system at the time of Emilio's death. The case was supposed to have gone in front of a judge in recent weeks, but the hospital asked for a continuance, so the hearing was rescheduled for May 30.

None of that matters now.

"The natural progression of Emilio's disease overcame him, and he died of natural causes in his mother's arms. And God took him, not man," said Jerri Ward, Catarina Gonzales' attorney...............................

Baby Emilio Dies Of Natural Causes

8mm

[T'wit]

God be with you, little guy. There are far worse fates than dying in your mother’s arms.

[mtbopfuyn]

Yes, I saw on the news that Emilio died last night and knew y’all would have it here. So sad. Prayers to the mom.

[floriduh voter]

Blessings from the angels to Emilio. The hearing that is upcoming is still important because precedent may be set protecting all children and adults in Texas instead of the consequences of the Texas Futile Act which hastily writes adults and children off.

Pls see my post to lesforlife. Sandra Day is going to defend Greer on her own web site. I hope she has a message board...

[wagglebee]

Godspeed to Emilio and prayers for his family

[BykrBayb]

Rest in the arms of God, Baby Emilio. May your Mommy take comfort in the knowledge that you do.