An Illinois teenager who lost consciousness during a routine wisdom tooth extraction in July has died from complications connected to a rare genetic condition, officials confirmed.
Seventeen-year-old Sophia Farmer of Spring Grove was undergoing oral surgery on July 21 at Northern Lakes Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in Grayslake when she became unresponsive, according to Grayslake Fire Department Chief Dan Pierre. A 911 call reported that someone was in cardiac arrest. When paramedics arrived, they found that Farmer was not breathing and had no pulse. Staff at the oral surgeon’s office had already started an IV, and emergency responders immediately began CPR and intubation.
During the ambulance ride, Farmer’s breathing and heartbeat returned, but she remained unconscious. She was pronounced dead three days later, on July 24, according to her obituary.
“It was a sad ending to a 17-year-old girl’s life,” Pierre said.
Following a three-month investigation, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Farmer died from complications of dental extraction surgery under sedation. Contributing factors included an ARID1B gene mutation and “multiple neurologic abnormalities,” according to a spokesperson. Her death was ruled natural.
A copy of the full medical examiner’s report has been requested but not yet released publicly.
The ARID1B-related disorder is a rare genetic condition known to cause developmental delays and disabilities, per the Foundation for ARID1B Research. Those affected often experience a range of challenges that may include intellectual disabilities (mild to severe), autistic features, seizures, significant speech delays or absence of speech, and difficulties with daily living or motor skills. The foundation notes that the condition is likely underdiagnosed because of its diverse symptoms and limited access to genetic testing.
Pierre said paramedics were not informed of any genetic condition during the emergency response, and the department’s incident record “doesn’t show that it was reported.” He added that he could not confirm whether the oral surgeon was aware of her medical background. The oral surgery center declined to comment, and Farmer’s family has not yet responded to inquiries.
Deaths during dental treatment are exceedingly uncommon — fewer than three occur annually, according to a 2017 National Library of Medicine study.
Farmer’s obituary described her as a vibrant young woman who loved boating, camping, and dogs — “she never met a dog that she didn’t want to keep.” It continued:
“From the moment she came into our lives, Sophie filled our hearts with immeasurable love and laughter. Above all else, Sophie loved the Lord. She was active in her youth group and loved to sing on the worship team. She had a tender heart for others and you would often find her praying over her friends.”
A funeral service celebrating her life was held in August.
