Six months later, the community of Moore is still in mourning after six teens on a cross country run were struck by a vehicle driven nearly 80 miles an hour in a school zone last February. Kolby Crum, age 18 of Moore, was one of three who lost their lives. The community of Moore now learns Kolby’s legacy lives on in others through organ donation.
According to his family, Kolby always cared about others. He was never into sports but wanted to be on a team and joined cross country. He liked it – and worked hard to excel. Kolby finished in the top two percent of athletes in the 2019 season. Not only did he work hard – he also ran alongside others to encourage them.
Kolby also enjoyed his community of friends who played board and card games together. He often played “Magic the Gathering” with a group of friends from around the city.
He was a silent leader and was hard working and encouraging. Younger students looked up to him, and for a good reason. He cared for and loved others deeply. Kolby had aspirations to help others in life and had plans to attend college on a cross country scholarship in pursuit of a degree in psychology.
When he was getting his driver’s license, he registered to be an organ donor understanding through that action he could give hope and life to others.
After the incident and all measures to save Kolby’s life had been explored, it was no surprise to his family to learn that he was a registered donor. Since Kolby was 18 and was registered, his parents supported his final wish to give to others by donating his organs and carry on his legacy.
“Kolby has always thought of others and put others before himself. Through unimaginable darkness and sadness our family has gone through, there is light knowing that Kolby has even helped others after his death,” Tansey Hellbusch, Kolby’s mother, said in a Facebook post.
Kolby’s legacy will live on not only in the Moore community, but also in the lives of two others who he saved with his generous donation.
LifeShare of Oklahoma, the organ procurement organization (OPO) in Oklahoma responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant, is celebrating Kolby’s life and legacy with his family.
“We are encouraged by Kolby and his willingness to make a positive change in his community and also in the lives of others through organ donation,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeShare. “It is our hope young adults reading this story will see the impact of organ donation and they will follow in Kolby’s footsteps by registering their decision to be a donor.”
LifeShare encourages all Oklahomans to register as an organ donor and share their decision with their families.
