The family of Damian Garra tells 7 Eyewitness News that when the 18-year-old died on Saturday August 12th, they honored the teenager's wishes and donated his organs to help others. His parents Tammy and Jamie Garra said they have been notified that at least 7 people will be helped - including a child, 2, that needed a liver, a man, 50, who needed a heart, and another man, 60, who needed lungs.
"Damian was always interested in helping others," said his parents.
However, it has been a painful for experience for the Garra family who was originally gathering to celebrate Damian's graduation from Emerson School of Hospitality when they received word that the teenager had been struck by a vehicle on August 11th while heading to his girlfriend's house on a bicycle.
A suspect was arrested and charged with DWI, Leaving the Scene, Running a Stop Sign, and Operating a Vehicle with a Suspended License. Those charges are expected to be upgraded to Vehicular Manslaughter.
While the legal process moves forward, the Garra family is now planning a memorial service.
His parents said they are thinking about starting a scholarship at Emerson in their son's name. Damian's grandfather said he is interested in putting up a sign with his grandson's picture and a message reminding all drivers of the consequences of a hit-and-run accident.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly spent the day talking to the Garra family and has more in his reports.
