Grandmother Allegedly Euthanized Against Will, Died Bloody After Botched Procedure

An 83-year-old Canadian grandmother, identified as Brigitte Stegemann, allegedly died a violent death during a Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) procedure on July 10, according to her granddaughter and caregiver, Brigitte Kranendonk. Kranendonk claims the procedure was botched, resulting in Stegemann being covered in her own blood and dying with her hands clasped in prayer.

Stegemann, known as “GG” or “Oma,” was reportedly suffering from stomach cancer and had opted for MAiD. However, two days prior to the scheduled procedure, Kranendonk questioned her grandmother about her decision. According to Kranendonk, Stegemann began crying and stated, “I’ve made a mistake,” suggesting she had no memory of requesting the assisted death.

Kranendonk further alleged that Stegemann failed a cognitive test designed to assess her mental capacity to consent to MAiD, reportedly answering questions incorrectly and believing two of her living siblings were deceased. Despite these concerns, Kranendonk claims the MAiD practitioners proceeded with the procedure.

During the procedure, Kranendonk described a difficult IV insertion, with the nurse reportedly piercing Stegemann repeatedly before attempting the other arm. "There was a phenomenal amount of blood," Kranendonk stated, adding that the nurse was not wearing gloves. A doctor reportedly asked Stegemann if he could administer her “medicine,” but Stegemann, described as motionless with her eyes closed, did not respond. The doctor proceeded, and Stegemann was pronounced dead ten minutes later.

Stegemann’s family is seeking answers from the chief coroner’s office in Ontario, the patient ombudsman, and the Belleville Police. A spokesperson for Belleville Police confirmed that the incident is under investigation by their Criminal Investigations Division and declined to provide further details.