Tragic Death of 2-Year-Old Gainesville Special Needs Child at Shands Hospital

Family mourns loss of De'Markus Jeremiah Page after preventable medical errors at University of Florida hospital

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The family of two-year-old De'Markus Jeremiah Page is mourning the devastating loss of their son following a multitude of egregious preventable medical errors at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. De'Markus, who had special needs, was admitted for a viral illness and low potassium levels, but was not properly monitored, leading to a fatal potassium overdose and cardiac arrest. His family hopes sharing his story will raise awareness about the critical importance of proper monitoring, timely interventions, and hospital accountability in preventing similar tragedies.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights serious concerns about patient safety, pediatric care protocols, and the oversight of the most vulnerable children with special needs in hospital settings like Shands Children's Hospital. There was a total lack of hospital accountability for its clinical and resuscitation measures which failed to comply with required standards.

The details

On March 1, 2024, De'Markus was admitted to AdventHealth Ocala Hospital for persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased oral intake. He was diagnosed with a viral illness and critically low potassium levels, prompting immediate IV therapy and a transfer to Shands for higher-level care. At Shands, critical care protocols were not implemented, and over the next 36 hours, multiple medication and medical errors led to De'Markus receiving a tenfold overdose of oral potassium phosphate. This caused dangerously high blood potassium levels, leading to a cardiac arrest. Due to inadequate training and equipment, there was a over 20-minute delay in intubating De'Markus, resulting in a catastrophic brain injury. He was ultimately determined to be brain dead and passed away in his mother's arms.

  • On March 1, 2024, De'Markus was admitted to AdventHealth Ocala Hospital.
  • On March 3, 2024, multiple medication and medical errors led to De'Markus receiving a tenfold overdose of oral potassium phosphate.

The players

De'Markus Jeremiah Page

A 2-year-old Gainesville child with special needs who died after preventable medical errors at Shands Hospital.

Shands Hospital at the University of Florida

The hospital where De'Markus was admitted and where the preventable medical errors occurred.

Jordan Dulcie

A shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley, representing De'Markus' family.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This tragic case highlights serious concerns about patient safety, pediatric care protocols, and the oversight of the most vulnerable children with special needs in hospital settings like Shands Children Hospital. There was a total lack of hospital accountability for its clinical and resuscitation measures which failed to comply with CMS and JCAHO-required Code/CPR Documentation Record Requirements.”

— Jordan Dulcie, Shareholder, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley

What’s next

De'Markus' family hopes that sharing his story will raise awareness about the critical importance of proper monitoring, timely interventions, and hospital accountability in preventing similar tragedies.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for improved patient safety protocols, especially for vulnerable children with special needs, and greater hospital accountability when preventable medical errors occur.