The family of Antonio Araujo is asking for support after a sudden fall led to a devastating brain injury and a decision to take him off life support.
According to his nephew, Steven, Antonio stumbled, fell backward, and struck the back of his head. The fall caused a large hematoma and hemorrhage, with bleeding and severe swelling that also affected his breathing.
He was first treated at Charlton Memorial Hospital, where doctors warned the family that surgery would be extremely risky because of his other medical issues, including severe pneumonia, weakened lungs, and Parkinson’s disease, which was identified after testing. Doctors placed him on life support and induced a coma.
Within 24 hours, his condition worsened and he was transferred to Rhode Island Hospital. Family members said doctors told them he needed emergency surgery or he would not survive. They chose to proceed. Antonio made it through the operation, but remained dependent on life support.
Steven said it has now been six days since the surgery, and Antonio’s condition has continued to decline. The family said the hospital has told them there is nothing more that can be done and that they were given approval to remove life support at noon on Wednesday.
The family said one source of comfort is that Antonio is an organ donor. According to Steven, he is expected to save two people who need kidney transplants and match his kidney type.
Those who knew him described Antonio as a tremendous person with a heart of gold. Steven said he avoided confrontation and was always the one who made people laugh at family gatherings.
The family said they are emotionally drained and are now facing medical and funeral costs. A fundraiser, which can be found by clicking here, has been started to help cover funeral expenses and the costs connected to the emergency.
The family said they did not witness the fall and do not know whether Parkinson’s contributed to it.
