Collision with Drowsy Driver While Traveling to a Relative's Wedding
A girl born in 2009, who sustained severe injuries in an accident involving a drowsy driver, passed away after giving the gift of new life to six people through brain-dead organ donation.
According to the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency on March 3, Chaeyeon Park (16) donated her heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and both eyes at Ajou University Hospital on December 16 last year.
On December 14 last year, Park was traveling with her family to attend a relative’s wedding when their vehicle collided with a car driven by a drowsy driver. Despite receiving treatment, she never regained consciousness and was declared brain-dead. Her family decided to proceed with the donation, hoping that at least a part of Park could continue to live on in others.
According to her family, Park, who was born in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province as an only daughter, was bright and active from a young age. During her high school years, she was elected class president every year, a testament to her diligence and enthusiasm. She was known for reaching out to friends in need and dreamed of becoming a social worker in the future.
Her father, Wanjae Park, shared a final message: “Dear Chaeyeon, your mother and I were so happy during the time we spent with you. Even now, it’s hard to believe you’re not by our side. I wonder if you can hear our voices from heaven. We miss you every day. I hope those who received the gift of new life remain healthy. You are the best and most loving daughter. I hope you’ll come back as my daughter again in our next life.”
Samyeol Lee, President of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, “My heart goes out to Chaeyeon Park and her family, who left us at such a young age before she could fully realize her dreams. I deeply appreciate the warm love of the bereaved family, who chose to share life even amid such sorrow.”
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