Teen Who Died In Crash Donates Organs

Kittrick Johnson, Jr. crashed his motorcycle early Friday morning in Midwest City. The 17-year-old died the next day. When Johnson died, his family decided to donate his organs. His organs helped save six live. Initially, making the decision to donate was a tough choice. However, now Johnson's family is speaking about the importance of organ donation.

"Very giving, a very loving man," said Kittrick Johnson, Sr.

Kittrick Johnson, Sr. says his son is known for his generosity. Two weeks ago, Kittrick Johnson Jr. saved up money for a new motorcycle.

"Was very much in love with motorcycles," said Johnson, Sr.

It was that love that led to his death.

"I was devastated, I mean because we were hoping for him to pull through," said Johnson, Sr.

Kittrick was on his way to school when his motorcycle collided with a car.

"He was propelled over the top of the car and he landed on the other side of the car," said Johnson, Sr.

Kittrick's injuries were so severe, doctors could not save him.

"The brain was dead," said Johnson, Sr.

That's when Kittrick's parents were faced with a tough choice...whether to donate his organs.

"My first reaction was no because I want my son to take everything with him that he came here with," said Johnson Sr. "That's the selfish part of any parent."

But then he remembered his son's generous nature and realized his son would want to give.

"He would have wanted us to do that," said Johnson, Sr.

Kittrick's organs went to six people, all across the country.

"I just think that's wonderful," said Johnson, Sr. 

"It's really amazing," said Phil Van Stavern, CEO of LifeShare Oklahoma.

LifeShare of Oklahoma is a non-profit organization that recovers organs for transplants.

"An average of 19 people die everyday in this country waiting for organ transplants," said Van Stavern.

LifeShare CEO Phil Van Stavern says every year, more than 7,000 people across the United States die waiting for transplants.

"Tragic and preventable," said Van Stavern.

Even though Johnson is still coping with the loss of his son, he's proud his son's generosity helped prevent other people's deaths.

"Six people are living today because of my son," said Johnson, Sr. "Yeah. My son did that."

To find our more about organ donation and to register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor, go to: http://donatelife.net/

MARISA MENDELSON
FOX 25 NEWS
MLMENDELSON@OKCFOX.COM
Teen Who Died In Crash Donates Organs

Posted: Thursday, November 8 2012, 09:47 PM CST