RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. — A North Carolina teenager who died from gun violence will give the gift of life through organ donation.
Police said Pedro Ortiz-Perez was shot on May 3 at a park. The 16-year-old fought for his life in a hospital, but he was declared brain dead and died from his injuries on Tuesday, May 14.
Thursday night, family and friends lined the halls of UNC Hospital to remember Pedro as part of an Honor Walk. The teen will save eight lives since he was an organ donor.
Pedro was a sophomore at Southwestern Randolph High School where he played soccer.
His coach said he was a good young man with a bright future.
"Pedro himself, on the Thursday before he was shot, got his driver's license and chose to be a donor. And that's a selfless act. And I just, being a number eight and being able to support eight people is huge. And it's a God moment," the Southwestern Randolph High Soccer Coach shared.
The coach said Ortiz-Perez always strived to do better and be better and encouraged others to do the same.
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