An Iowa family has filed a disturbing lawsuit against a local hospital, claiming doctors and medical staff allowed a deceased U.S. Air Force veteran’s organs, skin tissue, and eyes to be harvested without his permission or the consent of his legal next of kin.
The lawsuit alleges the hospital failed to contact his daughters before making the donation referral, leading to emotional trauma and serious legal claims.
Family Sues Iowa Hospital Over Unauthorized Organ Harvesting
The lawsuit centers on 69-year-old Martin Gillespie, a U.S. Air Force veteran, father, and grandfather whose family says his body was used for organ and tissue donation without proper authorization.
His daughters, Christina Gubbels and Daun Stoddard, have filed a federal lawsuit against CHI Health-Missouri Valley, also known as Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital.
The case was filed in federal court in Iowa.
Veteran Pronounced Dead on April 1
According to court documents, Gillespie was transported to the hospital on April 1, 2026, by emergency responders and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The complaint states that during his lifetime, Gillespie never signed any paperwork or gave any verbal authorization allowing his body to be used for organ, tissue, or eye donation.
His family says there was no record of him agreeing to anatomical gifts of any kind.
Hospital Allegedly Contacted Wrong Relative
The lawsuit claims hospital staff had information showing Gillespie had biological children who should have been contacted first.
Instead, the hospital allegedly treated one of Gillespie’s aunts as his legal next of kin and accepted her authorization for donation decisions.
According to the complaint, the aunt had no legal authority, no medical power of attorney, and no official right to make healthcare or donation decisions on his behalf.
Daughters Say Hospital Never Contacted Them
The lawsuit further claims hospital staff made “no attempt” to contact either daughter, despite both allegedly being available and capable of making end-of-life decisions for their father.
At approximately 4:50 a.m., the hospital reportedly made a routine referral to the Iowa Donor Network.
Later that same day, the complaint says Gillespie’s organs, skin tissue, and eyes were harvested.
After the procedure, his remains were transported to a funeral home in Missouri Valley, where he was later cremated.
Family Seeking Financial Damages
Gillespie’s daughters are seeking more than $75,000 in damages. Their lawsuit includes claims of:
- Medical malpractice
- Fraud
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress
The family says the experience caused severe emotional pain and permanently affected their trust in medical institutions.
Hospital Has Not Responded Publicly
As of now, CHI Health-Missouri Valley has not publicly commented on the allegations. The case will now move through federal court, where both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence.
