Teenager Snowboarder's Final Gift: A Chance For Five Transplant Patients To Live

Tim Smith, the schoolboy who was killed in a snowboarding accident this week, has given the gift of life to five people.

The teenager's major organs, including his heart, lungs, kidneys and liver, were transplanted to five critically ill patients just hours after his death at Canberra Hospital at 1.30am on Wednesday.

Tim's uncle, Mr Paul Tynan, said yesterday the Newcastle boy's family had been told the operations, performed in various hospitals throughout Australia, were successful.

He said Tim's organ donation had helped his parents cope with his death.

"They are very proud of Tim," Mr Tynan said. "It is of great comfort to Tim's family that there are now people out there celebrating a new life."

Tim died after hitting a tree while snowboarding at the Thredbo snowfields, suffering extensive head and neck injuries.

The 16-year-old Newcastle High School student was on an annual winter camp organised by the Department of Sport and Recreation, scheduled to run from last Friday to this Sunday.

The trip was cut short after the more than 50 Year 11 students and four teachers returned home to be comforted by parents and colleagues on Wednesday night.

Tim was described as academically bright and an all-round sportsman who "lived life to the fullest".

Mr Tynan said the unknown recipients were "fortunate" to have received organs from such a "fit and healthy young man".

Although the Smiths were not told who received the teenager's organs, the Red Cross organ and tissue donation unit will be keep them informed of the recipients' welfare.

The Red Cross's blood service donor co-ordinator, Ms Christy Deleon, said it was significant that Tim made a decision to become an organ donor at such a young age. "The important thing is he has helped five people."

Nationally, about 2,500 people are waiting for organ donations.

The Hunter region's organ and tissue donation co-ordinator, Ms Janice Crooks-Vadnjal, described Tim's last act as "noble'.

"It is the ultimate noble thing a person can do," Ms Crooks-Vadnjal said.

She praised his family for supporting his wishes in such difficult circumstances.

Mr Tynan also revealed that Tim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

"The only requirement for snowboarders at this stage is wrist bands," he said.

Tim's death has been referred to the coroner and Mr Tynan said he hoped better safety would result. "Certainly if the authorities believe that helmets could ... save another life, it could lead to change."

The principal of Newcastle High, Mr Peter McNair, said parents and students had urged the school to continue attending the winter camp, as it has done for the past 10 years. "We will continue. The parents and students have asked me to continue with it."

Copyright © The Newcastle Herald.

This article posted August 27, 2000.