Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Mourners Attend Funeral for Teen Who Died During Transplant Delay

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of 17-year-old Nataline Sarkisyan, who died after her insurance company initially refused to approve a liver transplant then reversed the decision hours before

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of 17-year-old Nataline Sarkisyan, who died after her insurance company initially refused to approve a liver transplant then reversed the decision hours before the girl died.

Mourners remembered Sarkisyan on Friday as someone who was optimistic, loved dancing and never complained about the leukemia she was battling.

Janet Saboundjian told the crowd at St. Mary's Armenian Apostolate Church in Glendale that her niece's sparking blue eyes could brighten the darkest of days.

Advertisement

Along with traditional black attire, mourners wore touches of pink, her favorite color.

Philadelphia-based Cigna Corp. has said the procedure was experimental and not covered by the employer's benefit plan. The company reversed the decision after nurses and community members rallied outside its office.

Attorney Mark Geragos has said the family will file a lawsuit.