A teenager who was fatally struck by a car outside his Arizona high school donated his viable organs to three strangers, including a baby, to continue his lifelong endeavor of “helping those in need.”
Jayben Trace “Jee” Baguyos Camacho, 16, was rammed by a car while he was crossing the street in front of Chandler High School last Thursday.
The driver remained at the scene while Jayben was rushed to the hospital in “extremely critical condition,” AZFamily reported.
The teen, an aspiring artist, was declared brain dead on Saturday. He was placed on life support “to allow him the gift of giving life to others,” his family explained in a heartbreaking tribute.
His parents, Mary Claire Camacho and Benny Camacho Jr., told the outlet that their son’s heart will go to a 15-year-old. His lungs will save someone currently requiring a respirator to live, and part of his liver will go to an ailing 5-month-old baby.
The Camachos said that they were honoring Jayben’s last wishes to donate his organs, which will ensure “his legacy” lives on.
The hallways inside the Chandler Regional Medical Center were packed with Jayben’s family, friends and teachers for his honor walk.
“To see that he touched their lives or they wanted to pay their respects to him for him being an organ donor was just really special,” Benny told 12News.
A memorial was also erected outside Chandler High School in honor of the student.
The tragic teen’s parents also offered a message to the driver who struck their son.
“I hope no one feels guilty about anything. Don’t put blame on yourself. It was a tragic accident that happened, and I don’t hold any ill will towards anyone or any blame towards anything. I’m going to cherish the time that I did spend with him,” Benny told AZFamily.
It’s not clear if the driver will face any charges.
A GoFundMe for the Camacho family, which will help cover Jayben’s days-long hospital stay and funeral expenses, crept over $18,000 by Tuesday evening.
