Richard Slayman, the Weymouth man who was the recipient of the first genetically modified pig kidney transplant has died.
“Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many. Millions of people worldwide have come to know Rick's story. We felt – and still feel – comforted by the optimism he provided patients desperately waiting for a transplant. To us, Rick was a kind-hearted man with a quick-witted sense of humor who was fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers. We are extremely grateful to his care team across Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Brigham, especially Dr. Williams, Dr. Kawai, and Dr. Riella, who truly did everything they could to help give Rick a second chance. Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts.
Mass General Hospital in a statement over the weekend says there is no indication that the 62-year-old Slayman died as a result of complications from the transplant.
Slayman said at the start of the entire process that he was going through the procedure to provide hope for thousands in the future.
(Photo Credit: Massachusetts General Hospital)