In 1981, the Uniform Determination of Death Act made brain death a legal form of death in all 50 states.

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But in at least two studies before the 1981 Uniform Determination of Death Act, some "brain-dead" patients were found to be emitting brain waves.

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And Te'o's heart-wrenching tale of determination on the face of two tragedies -- the death of his grandmother and his girlfriend -- had all the elements.

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And Te'o's heart-wrenching tale of determination in the face of two tragedies -- the death of his grandmother and his girlfriend within hours -- had all the elements.

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Despite these findings, District Attorney Rex Gore was unwilling to change his initial determination or rule the cause of death as undetermined.

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Since the time that District Attorney Rex Gore made his initial determination, several questions have arisen regarding the cause of death.

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"Kelly's determination to speak out about why she wanted the choice of an assisted death made a huge impact, " she said.

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Head of the British army, Gen Sir David Richards, said the milestone death had hardened "our determination to succeed".

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