California man invites BBC to witness his death as MPs debate assisted dying

In a poignant and deeply personal moment, Wayne Hawkins, an 80-year-old man from San Diego, California, invited BBC News to witness his final hours as he prepared to end his life through California's assisted dying laws. Wayne was terminally ill, suffering from heart failure, prostate cancer, liver failure, and other serious health issues. He had made the decision to seek assisted dying after witnessing the painful deaths of family members and not wanting to endure a similar fate. On the day of his death, Wayne sat comfortably in a reclining chair in his living room, surrounded by his loving family, including his wife Stella and their two daughters, Emily and Ashley. The sun shone brightly on their home, creating a serene atmosphere as they shared this significant moment together. Wayne had invited the BBC to document his final day, hoping to shed light on the assisted dying process and advocate for similar rights in the UK, where lawmakers were debating the issue. As the clock ticked closer to the moment he had been preparing for, Wayne took three anti-nausea tablets to help prevent any discomfort from the lethal medication he was about to take. When asked if he was sure about his decision, Wayne confidently replied, 'I'm all in. ' He had been resolute in his choice for weeks and felt no fear or hesitation. After taking a final family photo, Dr. Donnie Moore, the attending physician, arrived to assist Wayne in the process. Dr. Moore had been visiting the family regularly and was there to ensure that Wayne met all the legal requirements for assisted dying. He explained that the medication Wayne was about to take was a mixture of five drugs, designed to be fatal and delivered to their home weeks prior. As Wayne prepared to take the medication, Dr. Moore mixed it with cherry and pineapple juice to mask the bitter taste. No one could predict how long it would take for Wayne to pass after taking the drugs, but Dr. Moore shared that it usually occurred within 30 minutes to two hours. Wayne's story is not just about his choice to end his life; it also reflects the broader conversation about assisted dying laws and the rights of terminally ill patients. He believed that individuals should have the freedom to choose how and when they die, especially when facing unbearable suffering. Stella, who had been married to Wayne for over 50 years, supported his decision wholeheartedly. She understood his desire to avoid a painful and prolonged death and wanted him to have the dignity he deserved. As Wayne took the pink liquid, he said goodbye to his family, expressing his love and gratitude for their support. After a few minutes, he began to feel sleepy, and his family shared fond memories of their time together. In those final moments, Wayne drifted into a deep sleep, surrounded by the people he loved most. Dr. Moore confirmed that Wayne had passed away peacefully, and Stella and their daughters embraced, feeling a mix of sorrow and relief. This powerful story raises important questions about the choices available to those facing terminal illnesses and the ongoing discussions surrounding assisted dying laws.