A nine-year-old boy who died after a tragic accident in Sevilla has saved at least eight lives through organ donation – with doctors saying his legacy could go on to help dozens more.
Manuel Sanchez Donaire passed away on Sunday at the Virgen del Rocio Hospital, two days after suffering catastrophic injuries in a traffic accident in the Triana neighbourhood.
‘Manuel was an angel. He has donated practically all his organs,’ his great-uncle Jose Antonio said.
‘With that gesture he has saved eight lives directly and could save up to 75 indirectly. His death has meant that part of him will go on living in other children.’
Extensive donations despite injuries
Despite the severity of his injuries, Manuel was able to donate multiple organs and tissues.
His heart could not be used after going into cardiac arrest at the scene, and one of his lungs had been perforated in the impact. He had also suffered a broken pelvis.
Even so, his family said he was able to donate kidneys, liver, pancreas, a lung, as well as corneas, skin, bone, arteries and other tissues.
‘He has given everything he possibly could,’ his great-uncle added.
Following his cremation, the family said they wanted to highlight the donation, not for recognition, but to honour Manuel’s character.
‘It’s not about anyone calling us to say thank you,’ Jose Antonio told Diario de Sevilla.
‘We just want people to know. Manuel was a child loved by the whole neighbourhood. He was cheerful and had a huge heart.’
That affection was reflected in the response from the local community.
The neighbourhood association in El Tardon stepped in to cover funeral costs, a gesture the family said was voluntary and deeply appreciated.
The incident took place at around 8.45pm on April 10 on Calle Lucas Cortes.
Manuel was reportedly struck by the side of a vehicle before falling backwards and hitting his head. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition but died two days later from his injuries.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the accident and will submit their findings to the court.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
