Christa Pike in critical condition, receiving lifesaving medical care after failed Tennessee execution

Tennessee death row inmate Christa Gail Pike is in critical condition and receiving lifesaving medical care, her lawyers said Thursday, following the state’s failed attempt to execute her by lethal injection.

Pike remained alive after officials administered two doses of pentobarbital during Wednesday night’s execution procedure. She was later transported from Riverbend Maximum Security Institution to a hospital for emergency treatment.

Her attorneys said Pike’s condition remains critical following the failed execution attempt.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has since paused the state’s remaining executions for 2026 and ordered an independent review into what occurred.

Pike, 50, was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer.