Lareanz Simmons, 14, was a good student with a knack for algebra. He was in ROTC and had planned to go into the military or become a police officer after high school. Although he had no enemies and had never been in a fight, Lareanz was killed in a drive-by shooting while walking home from a friend's house. "Lareanz had a great mind, a great heart, and a great love for everyone," recalled his grandmother, who knew that he would want to be an organ donor. In doing so, he saved the lives of four people. Lareanz has since been honored by the City of Riverside with a bench with a memorial plaque.

Lareanz's Story

Lareanz Simmons was a generous person who loved life, spending time at the movies or with friends at McDonald's. He was a good student who had a knack for algebra and would always help his friends with homework. At 14, Lareanz was involved with the ROTC and had planned to go into the military or become a police officer after he graduated from high school.

On February 23, 2012, on what seemed to be a regular day, Lareanz, 14, was on his way home from a friend's house when he was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting. He was taken to the hospital and shortly after declared brain dead.

Lareanz had never talked about donation, but his grandmother, Bernice Hobby, said, "Because of his generous nature, I knew it was what Lareanz would have wanted. I think Lareanz is smiling, knowing that he saved four lives through his donation.

"Lareanz had a great mind, a great heart, and a great love for everyone. He had never been in a fight with anyone and did not have any enemies."

Lareanz is greatly loved and missed by his family, friends and community. The city of Riverside has planted three trees in his honor and recently placed a bench with a memorial plaque to honor him. Bernice said, "I feel like all of Riverside has come together to honor and celebrate Lareanz, and because of him, I've had the chance to meet so many good people."