A grieving family claims 'strangers' arrived at a hospital to harvest organs from a man who died after a heart attack during sex, sparking a bitter dispute over whether he was legally a donor. Keith Lott, 47, collapsed at his home in Swedesboro, New Jersey, USA, on May 16 while having sex with his wife Brook. Paramedics rushed him to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he was placed on a ventilator.
Brain death declaration
Three days later, doctors reportedly concluded that a complete lack of blood flow had caused catastrophic brain swelling. As a result, Keith was officially declared brain dead on May 19. But within an hour, the family alleges representatives from the NJ Sharing Network, the region's organ procurement organisation, arrived at the hospital to claim his body for organ harvesting.
Religious objection
Relatives insist Keith had changed his mind after converting to Islam in 2023, following his marriage. Therefore, the family said he no longer wished to be an organ donor, in line with religious traditions around preserving the body and burial as quickly as possible. They believed he needed to be buried within three days, NJ.com reported.
However, the organ team allegedly pointed to a 2021 driver's licence record where Keith had ticked the donor box, claiming it amounted to a 'lifetime contract'. The family claim they produced a newer 2025 driver's licence showing he had explicitly opted out of being a donor, but were told the earlier digital registration still stood.
Legal threat and release
They also allege the organisation threatened court action to stop them taking his body, while hospital staff were hesitant to disconnect life support without clearance. Keith's brother Alex Lott said the family felt they were being bulldozed at their most vulnerable moment. 'I get it that people out there need these parts, these body parts,' he said. 'But if someone made a vow with his faith that he does not want to be a donor, you have to respect that.'
Facing a looming legal battle, the family contacted a state senator for help. Two hours later, they say the NJ Sharing Network relented and released Keith's body. He was buried three days later in line with the family's wishes.
Wider scrutiny
The case comes amid wider scrutiny of the NJ Sharing Network. The US House Ways and Means Committee has launched an investigation following whistleblower allegations of fraudulent practices.
