The tragic shooting death of 13-year-old Sanjay Samuel in Queens, New York, has brought new life to four people after his family agreed to donate his organs, according to a report by Daily News, New York. Sanjay Samuel was shot on September 22 while on his way to school. Despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. His family later chose to donate his organs; a decision that has since saved the lives of four individuals.
The recipients are a boy of the same age who received Sanjay’s heart; a 15-year-old who received his liver: and two adults in their 50s who received his lungs, pancreas, and a kidney. Sanjay’s father, Theophilus Samuel, described the choice as painful yet meaningful. “It’s very hard, this loss. But at least he saved four people,” he told reporters. LiveOnNY, the nonprofit organisation that facilitated the donation process, praised the family’s generosity. Its President and CEO, Leonard Achan, said Sanjay had become “an organ donor hero” and that his gifts provided patients with a second chance at life. Authorities said the recipients of the organs are based in New York, Ohio, and Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, a 16-year-old suspect accused of carrying out the fatal shooting has been charged and was ordered held without bail in Queens Criminal Court. Police believe the killing was gang-related. According to investigators, the gunman approached Sanjay on a scooter while the boy was outside a Dunkin’ Donuts with schoolmates. The suspect allegedly struck him before shooting him in the back of the head.
Discover more from Guyana Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
