Widow says husband would still be alive if ‘certain things had not happened’ at Memorial Hermann

Memorial Hermann Hospital and its liver and kidney transplant programs are facing escalating legal challenges, with three families represented by the Hastings Law Firm seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Dr. J. Steve Bynon. The order aims to prevent the destruction or deletion of evidence related to the transplant program scandal. This follows allegations of patient data manipulation against Bynon, initially reported by The New York Times. The hospital has since closed down the programs, citing “irregularities.”

Among those affected is Melanie Crowel, whose husband, Ron Crowel, was enrolled in Memorial Hermann’s transplant program under Bynon’s supervision. Despite his acceptance, Ron’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away in March 2024, leaving Melanie devastated. She believes that if certain actions hadn’t occurred, her husband might still be alive today.

Melanie’s attorney, Sean Tracey, described the situation as a “medical horror story,” emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. Memorial Hermann has confirmed inappropriate changes to donor acceptance criteria within the transplant information database by a single physician, prompting an ongoing investigation.

In response, Memorial Hermann has deactivated its liver transplant program and is collaborating with UTHealth Houston to restructure the kidney/pancreas transplant program under new leadership. The hospital is focused on ensuring continuity of care for affected patients while cooperating with regulatory authorities.

A hearing regarding the TRO has been scheduled for Thursday morning as the investigation into the scandal continues.