A 13-year-old boy, who was involved in a confrontation with an older teen outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens, donated his organs after being fatally shot. Sanjay Samuel, a high school freshman, succumbed to his injuries on the morning of September 21. His family, in their grief, made the decision to encourage others to donate in his memory, as announced by the nonprofit organization involved.
Two 13-year-olds received his heart and liver, according to the organization. Additionally, two adults in their 50s received his lungs, pancreas, and one kidney, with recipients spread across New York, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. Leonard Achan, the president and CEO of the nonprofit, expressed his condolences and gratitude for being able to oversee such significant donations. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with them during these extremely difficult times,” he said.
Sanjay was shot around 8:20 a.m. during what was described by NYPD detective chief Joseph Kenny as a potential gang-related altercation. The alleged shooter, 16-year-old Jason Sykes, reportedly approached Sanjay on a scooter, engaged him in a fight, and then drew a semi-automatic handgun from his sweatshirt pocket.
Following the confrontation, Sykes allegedly struck Sanjay and then fired at him, leading to Sanjay’s death. The suspect fled initially but turned himself in later that week. He now faces charges of second-degree murder and illegal firearm possession, with the possibility of a 25-year prison sentence if convicted.
Sanjay’s mother took to social media to share her heartbreak and reflect on how modern communication plays a role in youth culture. “This phone is a demon,” Berry Griffith stated last week, criticizing how kids often get caught up in social media dynamics. “They hype themselves and look big.”
