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Published: 2012-09-12 13:44:00
Updated: 2012-09-12 13:49:09

Posted: September 12, 2012

Newborn on life support declared legally brain dead

Will Riggans

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Will Riggans
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Snow Camp, N.C. — Family members of an infant who has been on life support since he was born said Wednesday they plan to donate his organs.

Will Riggans was legally declared brain dead Tuesday but was kept on life support so that doctors could harvest his organs.

He was 10 days old.

Will's parents were on their way to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill on Sept. 1 to give birth when they were in a wreck. His mother, Megan Riggans, died. His father, Casey Riggans, was seriously injured.

Doctors said Will was deprived in-utero of oxygen and suffered head trauma from the wreck. He never opened his eyes, cried or moved his arms and legs.

Family members said they are comforted that Will can live on in other babies who are fighting to survive.

Copyright 2012 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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As a donor recipient, the people who get baby Will's organs will be forever grateful. Every year on the anniversary of my surgery, I say a pray for the family who so graciously gave of their loved one's organs. It truely is a blessing.
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September 17, 2012 9:11 a.m.
so sorry baby Will won't make it; what a wonderful, giving act by his family to donate his organs so another family won't have to experience the misery of a baby's death. Prayers sent to this family and all that will be helped.
larterl
September 13, 2012 11:09 a.m.
I have no children, so I can only imagine what this family is going through. I've seen the interviews with the Uncle, and it seemed like they were/are at peace with whatever happened with Will. I pray that they will continue to be at peace with this, and know that there are thousands of people out here supporting and caring for you throughout this tragedy. You have my thoughts and prayers going your way also.
driverkid3
September 13, 2012 10:25 a.m.
Poor baby. He is in his mother's arms with God, but what a horrible tragedy. May God give his father the strength to carry on, one day at a time. God bless and be with you. I am sorry for the loss of your beautiful family and hope you know that people love you and support you. I can not even imagine the pain you must feel.
Just Plain Common Sense
September 12, 2012 7:10 p.m.
such a beautiful, selfless act to donate his organs. i admire their strength and charity at a time when they are entitled to think only of themselves. i hope knowing that other babies will live because of their decision eases the pain, even if only a tiny bit.
alwaysamused
September 12, 2012 6:41 p.m.
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