Domenico, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy from Italy, has tragically passed away after significant public interest in his case following the transplant of a 'burnt' heart last December. His death was confirmed by the Monaldi Hospital, where he had been receiving care. The news was broken to journalists waiting outside the hospital by the family's lawyer, who relayed the mother's heartbreaking message, 'It's over.'

The circumstances surrounding Domenico's heart transplant raised serious concerns, as it was reported that he received a heart that was damaged during transport, which likely contributed to his deteriorating health. The Monaldi Hospital issued a formal announcement expressing deep sorrow over the boy's passing on February 21, 2026, emphasizing the rapid and irreversible decline in his clinical condition.

This incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability within Italy’s healthcare system, particularly regarding the protocols and procedures involved in organ transport. It has highlighted the imperative need for stringent regulations to ensure the safety and viability of organs before transplantation. As Italy mourns the loss of young Domenico, the case underlines the larger implications for organ donation and transplant practices across the country, potentially affecting public trust in the healthcare system.