US teen gets life-saving heart transplant, only to die during a crime spree
Before undergoing a heart transplant in August 2013, Anthony Stokes said he planned to turn over a new leaf.
The US teen told a local news channel that the operation would help straighten out his life and give him "a second chance and do things I want to do".
But on Tuesday (March 31), the 17-year-old died in a car crash while fleeing from police after stealing a car, shooting at a woman and driving into a pedestrian.
Anthony carjacked a vehicle at a shopping mall, local media reported. He then drove to the home of an elderly woman and attempted to burgle the place.
High-speed chase
The woman told a news station after the incident that the teen had kicked open the door to find her sitting in the living room watching television.
He fired a few shots at her, but the bullets hit the wall.
While fleeing empty-handed in the stolen car, he was spotted by cops. A high-speed chase ensued.
The chase ended in a mangled wreckage after Anthony clipped a car, hit 33-year-old pedestrian Clementina Hernandez and then collided with a pole.
Both were taken to hospital. The teen died later that day, while Ms Hernandez is in stable condition. The other driver was unhurt.
He's not a troublemaker
Anthony first made headlines in the US in 2013 after doctors ruled that he was an unsuitable candidate for heart transplant because of his behavioural issues, reported NY Daily News.
At that time, Anthony had been given less than a year to live.
His mother, Melencia Hamilton, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution back then: "It just seemed they decided he’s a troublemaker, and that’s not true."
She also told local media: "He’s going to make mistakes, but I still think he deserves a second chance."
The hospital reversed their decision after the story sparked national outrage and criticisms from rights groups.
Sources: NY Daily News, WSB-TV, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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