13-year-old boy shot and killed in Cambria Heights, Queens donates organs, including heart, saves the lives of 4 people
The decision to donate the organs of a 13-year-old boy killed in a fatal shooting in Queens has saved the lives of four people.
The heart of Sanjay Samuel was transplanted and is now beating in another 13-year-old boy. A 15-year-old teen received Samuel's liver, while two adults in their 50s received his lungs, pancreas and kidney.
While on his way to school on Monday, Samuel was shot in the head in a parking lot of a Dunkin Donuts in Cambria Heights. A 16-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting him is currently in custody facing up to 25 years in prison.
The president of LiveOnNY, a nonprofit which helps coordinate organ donation, said while the pain from Samuel's death is immeasurable, his donation to others will be felt for a lifetime.
"In the case of Sanjay and the beautiful gift that he gave, he was able to save four lives and donate six organs, which is a rare circumstance. And we are incredibly grateful for that gift of the family and Sanjay," said LiveOnNY President Leonard Achan in an interview with Eyewitness News.
Samuel's father said the decision to donate was an easy one for their family.
The recipients of Samuel's organs live in New York, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
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