Heart Transplant Patient Patrick Carroll Dies

Watsonville father Patrick Carroll died at Stanford Hospital at 9:07 a.m. Tuesday, his wife, Samantha Carroll, reported on the Facebook page dedicated to Patrick's heart transplant, Patrick's Long Road Ahead.

"I am very thankful my kids got to come up to see him and say their goodbyes yesterday," Samantha wrote.

Patrick, 36, is survived by his wife and their two children, Robbie and Jazzy.

His death comes 35 days after that he and his family had hoped would be the start of a new life for him. He was put on the transplant list in December 2010.

Patrick's heath had been declining since late March. In response, people left heartfelt messages for the family.

"Samantha, my heart hurts for you and the kids," Melanie Marie Wagner wrote. "Patrick waited so long and fought so hard for his new heart."

Michelle Ruiz shared: "I do not know you Samantha, but my deepest sympathies to you and your kids. Patrick was a great friend of mine back in high school, and I truly can't believe this is happening. All my love for you and the entire family."

"Sorry to hear what's happening to good person like Patrick," Donna Calimquim wrote.

Angie "Gonzales" Eoff wrote: "I am so sorry!! You have a lot of people supporting you and your family right now."

Patrick's health challenges and the impacts on the Carroll family amassed a nationwide network of followers on Facebook. Most had never met the Carrolls, but felt a connection to the family through their own health struggles—many have transplant recipients in their families—or the family's strong Christian faith.

After Samantha posted that Patrick had died, literally hundreds of followers sent condolences and said they were praying for the family.

"I am so sorry," Lori Welch Bettencourt wrote. "Patrick fought very hard and now his body can rest while he watches over his loved ones from Heaven. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with you and the children."

An account has been set up to help the family. You can access it here.

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