A new Virginia historical highway marker honoring Bruce Oliver Tucker was unveiled during a private ceremony Friday, May 30.

The dedication brought together members of Tucker’s family, local officials, community members and health system leaders.

Tucker, who grew up in nearby Dinwiddie County, died on May 25, 1968. Without the consent or knowledge of his family, surgeons at the Medical College of Virginia removed his heart and kidneys and transplanted his heart into a white man—Virginia’s first and the world’s 16th human cardiac transplant.

The case raised questions about medical consent and contributed to greater awareness of ethical standards in medicine.

The highway marker is in Tucker’s hometown of Stony Creek, near his family’s church, Little Bethel Baptist Church. Members of his family were present for the unveiling.

“It is important, not just for VCU and VCU Health, but for the broader community to know and understand the significance of Mr. Tucker’s life and legacy,” said Michael Elliott, chief operations officer at VCU Health. “This journey has been about learning from the past and understanding how to move forward together—ensuring that we serve everyone with respect, and that we use the lessons of history to build a better future for everyone.”

Approved by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the marker outlines the events that occurred in May 1968 and acknowledges Tucker’s role in the broader conversation about medical ethics and patients’ rights.

“The marker now serves as a public reminder of the importance of informed consent and transparency in health care,” said Gayle Turner, a Tucker family representative. “It also serves as a permanent acknowledgment and memorial tribute to the life and legacy of our beloved Bruce Oliver Tucker and the impact his story continues to have on medicine and ethics today.”

The dedication is part of VCU Health’s efforts to recognize Tucker’s legacy. Earlier this year, a mural and auditorium dedicated to Tucker were unveiled at the VCU School of Medicine. Additional initiatives include commemorative plaques throughout VCU Medical Center, a healing garden, scholarships in his name and programs aimed at educating future medical professionals.