RIP Javona

Javona Peters, 16, who incurred a serious brain injury as a result of a surgical procedure last October at Montefiore Medical Centers in New York City, has died. She had been a patient at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, where she was undergoing testing after being diagnosed in a persistent vegetative state.

Readers of this blog might recall that Javona's mother, Janet Joseph, was seeking court permission to remove her feeding tube. She was opposed in her wish by Javona's father, Leonard Peters of Mount Vernon.

According to Wesley Smith, Javona's feeding tube was not removed. The cause of her death is unknown.

Javona, prior to her surgery, has been described as an outgoing, athletic, active teenager who wanted to be a nurse. She was an honor student, a hospital volunteer, and a tutor to young children.

Our sympathies to Javona's family.

Rest in peace, Javona.