Domenico, a two-year-old Italian boy who received a faulty heart transplant in December, has died on February 21, 2026, after his condition deteriorated. The donated organ was reportedly damaged during transport from Bolzano to Naples, a distance of 800 km, due to direct contact with dry ice in an unsuitable container lacking a thermometer. He had been on artificial respiration at a Naples hospital since the transplant. His mother, Patrizia Mercolino, announced his passing, stating a foundation will be established in his name. The incident has sparked outrage and an investigation into six medical personnel for alleged professional negligence, with the Minister of Health expressing concern over potential impacts on organ donation confidence.