Yahoo News Coroner's tribute to teen who saved six lives by donating organs after fatal skateboard fall
A coroner has paid tribute to a teenager who saved six lives by donating his organs after he died in a freak skateboarding accident.
‘Much-loved’ Max Hamilton, 19, was described as a ‘very good skater’ but came off his board as he skated down a steep street, hitting his head on July 27.
The carpenter from Plymouth, Devon, was rushed to hospital but had suffered a traumatic brain injury in the fall and didn’t recover.
An inquest into his death heard how Max's death was the result of an accident, but the coroner noted how the brave teenager has saved six lives by donating his organs.
Senior coroner Ian Arrow concluded Max died from a traumatic brain injury and the cause of his death was accidental.
The fact Max had been drinking with friends shortly before the accident was not considered a factor in his death.
Addressing Max's family at Plymouth coroner’s court, Mr Arrow said: "I am satisfied his medical cause of death should be recorded as traumatic brain injury.
"How he suffered that traumatic brain injury - it appears to me, Max, was a very keen skateboarder, he obviously enjoyed skateboarding, immensely.
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"And it appears to me, he and his friends have had a pleasant day, at a national event.
"They have decided to go out for a drink, had several drinks, and then decided to skateboard down Greenbank Road.
"Sadly, it appears Max has fallen from his skateboard and has suffered an injury to his head.
"He has been taken to hospital and sadly died.
"So I am going to record this was an accidental death. Had he not fallen from his skateboard, he wouldn't have died."
Mr Arrow added: "I would just like to take the opportunity to offer my condolences to the family - I am so sorry to hear of Max's death.
"I first heard of the incident through the (organ) transplant co-ordinator, and I take the opportunity to pay tribute to the number of lives he would have saved."
His mother, Tracey Swan, said that one lady who was saved by a liver donation had been in touch with the family to say thank you.
The hearing at Plymouth's coroner's court was told how Max had competed in a national skateboarding event with fellow riders the evening before the fatal accident.
Speaking afterward the hearing, Tracey added: "He was a prominent member of the community, he was loved, he was a beautiful son."
