Mar 3 • 01:14 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

"Come back as my daughter again"... 16-year-old only daughter sacrificed by drowsy driving gifted new life to six people

A 16-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a drowsy driving accident, and her family decided to donate her organs, giving six people a second chance at life.

Park Chae-yeon, a 16-year-old girl who dreamed of becoming a social worker, tragically died as a result of a drowsy driving accident while traveling to a relative's wedding. After being rushed to the hospital, she fell into a state of brain death, prompting her family to make the heart-wrenching decision to donate her organs. On December 16, the Korea Organ Donation Agency announced that Park donated her heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and corneas to six recipients, embodying her family's wish that she live on in some form.

Park was remembered by her parents as a bright and active child who had excelled academically throughout her school years, frequently elected as class president. Her father, in a deeply emotional statement, expressed his grief over losing his only daughter, reflecting on the happiness they shared as a family. He also voiced hope that the recipients of her organs would thrive and highlighted his daughter's kindness, wishing that she would return to them in her next life.

This tragic incident sheds light on the serious issue of drowsy driving, which poses a significant risk on the roads. The family's choice to donate Park's organs also emphasizes the importance of organ donation as a way to support others in need while coping with loss. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the potential for individuals to make a lasting impact even after death through the gift of organ donation.

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