Death Of Olivia Gant
Child Medical Abuse Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Denver, Colorado
TIME PERIOD
2017
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
Olivia K. Gant, a 7-year-old girl, died on August 20, 2017, in Denver, Colorado, due to medical neglect and abuse perpetrated by her mother, Kelly Renee Turner-Gant. Initially hospitalized for severe constipation in 2012, Gant underwent numerous unnecessary medical procedures and was subjected to extensive drug treatments based on false claims of her medical conditions made by Turner-Gant. Following a series of manipulative actions, including switching doctors to obtain a do not resuscitate order, Turner-Gant had Gant's feeding tubes removed, leading to her death from intestinal failure. In 2022, Turner-Gant was convicted of child abuse and sentenced to 16 years in prison, with the case highlighting significant failures in medical oversight and child protection systems.
Kelly Turner-Gant is believed to have engaged in medical abuse through Munchausen by proxy, fabricating her daughter's illnesses to gain attention and sympathy. Some speculate that Turner-Gant's manipulation of the medical system was driven by a desire for validation and control over her daughter's life. Additionally, there are theories that the involvement of different doctors and the eventual approval of a do not resuscitate order played a critical role in Olivia's tragic death.
The Heartbreaking Story of Olivia Gant
A Tragic Tale of Medical Deception
In the heart of Denver, Colorado, a deeply unsettling case unfolded in 2017, capturing the attention of both the media and the public. It was the story of Olivia K. Gant, a vibrant 7-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short due to the medical abuse inflicted by her own mother, Kelly Renee Turner-Gant. The case, marked as a chilling example of Munchausen by proxy, exposed a complex web of deceit, manipulation, and ultimately, a heartbreaking end.
Early Life
Born on June 21, 2010, in Pasadena, Texas, Olivia lived with her mother, Kelly Turner-Gant, her two sisters, and her father. Despite their tumultuous marriage, Olivia found solace and joy in the company of her beloved step-grandfather, Lonnie Gautreau. Lonnie fondly remembered Olivia as a "loving child" with a vivid imagination, often engrossed in play with her dolls. Life took a significant turn when the family moved to Colorado, where Kelly began to meticulously document Olivia's hospital visits, sharing these images online. Olivia was frequently seen in Disney-themed outfits, surrounded by plush toys, either lying in a hospital bed or sitting in a wheelchair.
The Onset of Medical Abuse
The disturbing journey began in 2012, when Kelly brought Olivia to Children's Hospital Colorado, claiming severe constipation. The medical team successfully treated Olivia by removing impacted stool, but Kelly soon returned, alleging that Olivia could not consume food properly. This marked the beginning of a relentless series of invasive surgeries. One drastic procedure involved rerouting Olivia's small intestine through her large intestine, necessitating a bag for waste collection attached to her stomach. Over the next five years, Olivia endured more than 1,000 hospital visits, was subjected to heavy narcotics, and became largely bedridden.
Kelly further perpetuated the narrative of Olivia's terminal illness, leveraging it to garner sympathy and financial support from charitable organizations. She exploited these resources to fulfill Olivia's "bucket list," which included extravagant events like an $11,000 bat-themed princess party, a fusion of Batman and Disney Princesses, and experiences where Olivia could pretend to be a firefighter and police officer.
The extent of Kelly's deception was staggering. Prosecutor Christopher Gallo revealed during her trial that Kelly had defrauded charities and individuals of over $500,000. This was a manipulation of organizations dedicated to aiding sick children and their families.
Throughout this period, Olivia underwent the insertion of three different types of feeding tubes and was kept on a strong anti-seizure medication, despite no medical evidence of seizures. Kelly manipulated doctors into believing these treatments were necessary, eventually convincing them to provide intravenous nutrition when other methods allegedly failed.
The Final Days
The situation reached its tragic climax when Kelly managed to secure a do not resuscitate (DNR) order for Olivia. Her usual doctors had refused to sign off on such a measure, prompting Kelly to find a more compliant physician. With the DNR in place, all of Olivia's feeding tubes were removed, and she was placed in hospice care. Initially, Olivia seemed in good spirits, even singing "Hakuna Matata" from Disney's The Lion King with her mother. However, this brief moment of joy quickly faded as Olivia began to starve. Kept on strong medications, she was only given melted popsicle juice. During a final visit, her step-grandfather Lonnie witnessed Olivia's lucidity and hunger. On August 20, 2017, Olivia succumbed to what was ruled as intestinal failure, a tragic end to her young life.
The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The truth behind Olivia's death began to unravel over a year later, spurred by suspicions raised when Kelly brought Olivia's sister to the hospital with similar false ailments. In 2018, Kelly Turner-Gant was arrested, facing multiple felony charges including first-degree murder. The investigation also revealed fraud against Medicaid, numerous online donors, and various charitable organizations. Lonnie Gautreau pursued a civil lawsuit against Children's Hospital Colorado, criticizing their failure to prevent the abuse. This lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
The Conviction
In January 2022, Kelly Turner-Gant pleaded guilty to child abuse that negligently caused Olivia's death. In a plea agreement, first-degree murder charges were dismissed, and she received a 16-year prison sentence. Additionally, she pleaded guilty to theft and fraud charges, leading to a concurrent 13-year sentence. Despite her claims of innocence, stating she pleaded guilty to spare her family from a prolonged trial, Judge Patricia Herron upheld the sentence, acknowledging the likelihood of parole due to the concurrent nature of the sentences and the plea agreement.
Kelly's other two daughters were removed from her care. The eldest daughter, previously brought to the hospital for alleged bone pain, showed no symptoms after Kelly's arrest.
Public Reaction and Reflection
The case drew widespread media attention, often compared to the infamous case of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. It sparked discussions on the responsibilities of healthcare professionals to recognize and prevent child abuse, particularly in cases involving Munchausen by proxy. Olivia's online obituary, maintained by Heflebower Funeral & Cremation Services, became a platform for public outcry against Kelly's actions.
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Olivia Gant Born
Olivia K. Gant is born in Pasadena, Texas.
First Hospital Visit
Turner-Gant brings Olivia to Children's Hospital for severe constipation.
Olivia Gant Dies
Olivia Gant dies from intestinal failure after medical abuse by her mother.
Investigation Begins
Authorities begin investigating Kelly Turner-Gant for potential involvement in Olivia's death.
Kelly Turner Arrested
Kelly Turner is arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder.
Civil Lawsuit Filed
Lonnie Gautreau files a civil lawsuit against Children's Hospital Colorado regarding Olivia's care.
Plea Agreement
Kelly Turner pleads guilty to child abuse causing death and other charges.
Sentencing
Kelly Turner is sentenced to 16 years in prison for her crimes.
Olivia K. Gant, a 7-year-old girl, died on August 20, 2017, in Denver, Colorado, due to medical neglect and abuse perpetrated by her mother, Kelly Renee Turner-Gant. Initially hospitalized for severe constipation in 2012, Gant underwent numerous unnecessary medical procedures and was subjected to extensive drug treatments based on false claims of her medical conditions made by Turner-Gant. Following a series of manipulative actions, including switching doctors to obtain a do not resuscitate order, Turner-Gant had Gant's feeding tubes removed, leading to her death from intestinal failure. In 2022, Turner-Gant was convicted of child abuse and sentenced to 16 years in prison, with the case highlighting significant failures in medical oversight and child protection systems.
Kelly Turner-Gant is believed to have engaged in medical abuse through Munchausen by proxy, fabricating her daughter's illnesses to gain attention and sympathy. Some speculate that Turner-Gant's manipulation of the medical system was driven by a desire for validation and control over her daughter's life. Additionally, there are theories that the involvement of different doctors and the eventual approval of a do not resuscitate order played a critical role in Olivia's tragic death.
The Heartbreaking Story of Olivia Gant
A Tragic Tale of Medical Deception
In the heart of Denver, Colorado, a deeply unsettling case unfolded in 2017, capturing the attention of both the media and the public. It was the story of Olivia K. Gant, a vibrant 7-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short due to the medical abuse inflicted by her own mother, Kelly Renee Turner-Gant. The case, marked as a chilling example of Munchausen by proxy, exposed a complex web of deceit, manipulation, and ultimately, a heartbreaking end.
Early Life
Born on June 21, 2010, in Pasadena, Texas, Olivia lived with her mother, Kelly Turner-Gant, her two sisters, and her father. Despite their tumultuous marriage, Olivia found solace and joy in the company of her beloved step-grandfather, Lonnie Gautreau. Lonnie fondly remembered Olivia as a "loving child" with a vivid imagination, often engrossed in play with her dolls. Life took a significant turn when the family moved to Colorado, where Kelly began to meticulously document Olivia's hospital visits, sharing these images online. Olivia was frequently seen in Disney-themed outfits, surrounded by plush toys, either lying in a hospital bed or sitting in a wheelchair.
The Onset of Medical Abuse
The disturbing journey began in 2012, when Kelly brought Olivia to Children's Hospital Colorado, claiming severe constipation. The medical team successfully treated Olivia by removing impacted stool, but Kelly soon returned, alleging that Olivia could not consume food properly. This marked the beginning of a relentless series of invasive surgeries. One drastic procedure involved rerouting Olivia's small intestine through her large intestine, necessitating a bag for waste collection attached to her stomach. Over the next five years, Olivia endured more than 1,000 hospital visits, was subjected to heavy narcotics, and became largely bedridden.
Kelly further perpetuated the narrative of Olivia's terminal illness, leveraging it to garner sympathy and financial support from charitable organizations. She exploited these resources to fulfill Olivia's "bucket list," which included extravagant events like an $11,000 bat-themed princess party, a fusion of Batman and Disney Princesses, and experiences where Olivia could pretend to be a firefighter and police officer.
The extent of Kelly's deception was staggering. Prosecutor Christopher Gallo revealed during her trial that Kelly had defrauded charities and individuals of over $500,000. This was a manipulation of organizations dedicated to aiding sick children and their families.
Throughout this period, Olivia underwent the insertion of three different types of feeding tubes and was kept on a strong anti-seizure medication, despite no medical evidence of seizures. Kelly manipulated doctors into believing these treatments were necessary, eventually convincing them to provide intravenous nutrition when other methods allegedly failed.
The Final Days
The situation reached its tragic climax when Kelly managed to secure a do not resuscitate (DNR) order for Olivia. Her usual doctors had refused to sign off on such a measure, prompting Kelly to find a more compliant physician. With the DNR in place, all of Olivia's feeding tubes were removed, and she was placed in hospice care. Initially, Olivia seemed in good spirits, even singing "Hakuna Matata" from Disney's The Lion King with her mother. However, this brief moment of joy quickly faded as Olivia began to starve. Kept on strong medications, she was only given melted popsicle juice. During a final visit, her step-grandfather Lonnie witnessed Olivia's lucidity and hunger. On August 20, 2017, Olivia succumbed to what was ruled as intestinal failure, a tragic end to her young life.
The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The truth behind Olivia's death began to unravel over a year later, spurred by suspicions raised when Kelly brought Olivia's sister to the hospital with similar false ailments. In 2018, Kelly Turner-Gant was arrested, facing multiple felony charges including first-degree murder. The investigation also revealed fraud against Medicaid, numerous online donors, and various charitable organizations. Lonnie Gautreau pursued a civil lawsuit against Children's Hospital Colorado, criticizing their failure to prevent the abuse. This lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
The Conviction
In January 2022, Kelly Turner-Gant pleaded guilty to child abuse that negligently caused Olivia's death. In a plea agreement, first-degree murder charges were dismissed, and she received a 16-year prison sentence. Additionally, she pleaded guilty to theft and fraud charges, leading to a concurrent 13-year sentence. Despite her claims of innocence, stating she pleaded guilty to spare her family from a prolonged trial, Judge Patricia Herron upheld the sentence, acknowledging the likelihood of parole due to the concurrent nature of the sentences and the plea agreement.
Kelly's other two daughters were removed from her care. The eldest daughter, previously brought to the hospital for alleged bone pain, showed no symptoms after Kelly's arrest.
Public Reaction and Reflection
The case drew widespread media attention, often compared to the infamous case of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. It sparked discussions on the responsibilities of healthcare professionals to recognize and prevent child abuse, particularly in cases involving Munchausen by proxy. Olivia's online obituary, maintained by Heflebower Funeral & Cremation Services, became a platform for public outcry against Kelly's actions.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Olivia Gant Born
Olivia K. Gant is born in Pasadena, Texas.
First Hospital Visit
Turner-Gant brings Olivia to Children's Hospital for severe constipation.
Olivia Gant Dies
Olivia Gant dies from intestinal failure after medical abuse by her mother.
Investigation Begins
Authorities begin investigating Kelly Turner-Gant for potential involvement in Olivia's death.
Kelly Turner Arrested
Kelly Turner is arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder.
Civil Lawsuit Filed
Lonnie Gautreau files a civil lawsuit against Children's Hospital Colorado regarding Olivia's care.
Plea Agreement
Kelly Turner pleads guilty to child abuse causing death and other charges.
Sentencing
Kelly Turner is sentenced to 16 years in prison for her crimes.