Keegan Scott Clinger was as free spirited, big-hearted young man who loved skateboarding and dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. His dreams were cut short when 21-year-old Keegan was hit by a car while skateboarding and died two days later. He had signed up to be a donor to help others if his own life were lost. Keegan donated his corneas, heart, pancreas, liver and both lungs and kidneys. He also donated bone and tissue, while his colon was donated for research. In his death he was honored by donating all he could to help as many as possible.

Keegan's Story

Keegan Clinger was a free spirited, big-hearted young man who cherished his family and friends. He loved nature and outdoor activities, including wakeboarding fishing, hiking and hiking. He also played the piano and drums and appreciated art. Keegan had volunteered at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla, Calif. and dreamed of being a marine biologist.

But his true love in life was skateboarding. Unfortunately, at age 21, Keegan was riding his skateboard when a car struck him. He died two days later.

"He was one of the few who passed doing exactly what he loved doing in life, taking his last ride on his board," recalled his mother Darlene. "We lived through a parent's worst nightmare: the call in the middle of the night. We didn't get to say goodbye that one last time; we were told that our son was brain dead.

"Immediately my husband asked about organ donation, as he didn't realize that Keegan had already signed up. We were completely unfamiliar with anything related to organ donation other than the ability to designate yourself as a donor on your license. How quickly we became to fully understand it. Keegan's last act in life was the giving of his organs so that others could live."

Keegan donated his corneas, heart, pancreas, liver and both lungs and kidneys. He also donated bone and tissue, and his colon was donated for research. It was his wish to be able to someday help others if his life were lost, and in his death he was honored by donating all he could to help as many as possible.

"Since losing our son, we have supported organ donation in many ways and speak about the experience to groups as often as possible," Darlene confirmed. "Being a military family, and with our families moving often, we hope to spread the word to more people in more places."

Perhaps most importantly, the Clingers have corresponded with several of Keegan's recipients and are preparing to meet some of them and welcome them as family. For now they do all they can to help their children heal.

"I have gone to my nine-year-old twin daughters' school with a book we made about their brother and helped them to share his story, and the girls have given organ donation wristbands to their classmates," Darlene said. "This is an important step in their healing as well – to know that through everything so terrible, their brother's last gift was the gift of life."