When 16-year-old William received his license in March 2024, he didn’t hesitate to check the box to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
“We talked about it, and he said it was something he really wanted to do,” said his mother, Kristi. “There was no question in his mind. He really wanted to make sure that if something happened to him, other people could benefit.”
One month and 23 days later, on April 30, William’s truck flipped over on his way home one evening and he passed away due to his injuries. When Kristi received the call about donation from HonorBridge at the hospital, she knew exactly what to do.
“My family told me that the decision could wait, but I said, ‘no, it can’t,’” said Kristi. “I didn’t know what they could use, but it was his choice, and I was going to make sure that he had an impact. I am thankful he was able to help others the way he did, and he would be proud!”
Years ago, Kristi had been told by four specialists that she’d never have children—so when she got pregnant with William, she knew he was nothing short of a miracle.
“He was an only child, and he went everywhere with me,” said Kristi. “Because I had him later in life, he always hung out with adults and older kids, so he was very much an ‘old soul.’ He never met a stranger. I worked and travelled with NASCAR for 26 years, and we visited 29 states together. What 16-year-old goes to 29 states and other countries?”
William was well-loved at school and known for his big smile, friendly nature, and the way he could “light up a room” just by walking in. A gifted athlete, he was also a proud three-year member of the Marlboro Academy varsity baseball team.
“When he passed away, his classmates and teachers all wrote notes to William and to me,” Kristi shared. “One was from a girl who didn’t know him very well but helped collect money at school sports events. She said that every time William and his group of friends came by, he was the only one who stopped to talk to her. He’d always say hello and ask how her day was going. She said he was always in the middle of the crowd, laughing.”
Another student reached out to tell Kristi that William was the first person to make him feel welcome after transferring from Texas. “He said William walked him to class and, at lunch, made sure to bring him over to meet all his friends,” Kristi said. “He told me he would never forget that.”
In the end, William’s willingness to reach out and help others became his legacy. Because he said ‘yes’ to donation, 353 bone, tendon, heart valve, costal cartilage, and skin grafts were created for recipients in need. His corneas were also transplanted to restore sight for two different individuals: A 73-year-old male in NC, and a 76-year-old female in Texas.
“Because of the accident, he had blunt force trauma and internal injuries, so I was told they could only use his eyes,” said Kristi. “I’m going to be honest, I was devastated that they couldn’t use more, because he wanted so badly to help people. After I received a letter from HonorBridge, I gave them a call, and they were able to tell me about all the tissue grafts and the heart valves that he’d been able to donate. Hearing about all the people he had helped made it bearable, because I didn’t want his death to be for nothing.”
Eventually, Kristi received letters from two of William’s recipients, a moment that she says, “made all the difference.”
“The first one I received was from a lady who told me that she was now able to hike with her family and take trips, something she would have never been able to do had it not been for William,” said Kristi. “That was the first one I got, and I loved it. I wish everybody would send a letter, because it means the world to someone who has lost someone. To know that their loved one made a difference in somebody else’s life. In the second letter, the recipient said thank you for the gift that allowed them to live. The way it was worded, I feel like that one was a heart valve. I was so grateful to hear from them.”
Since William’s passing, his school has created several scholarships in his memory. Most recently, Kristi received approval to establish a nonprofit in his honor—the William Noah King Foundation.
“He loved kids and always played with them during recess,” Kristi said. “As an only child, he really valued that time with others. Through the William Noah King Foundation, we plan to host youth and community activities in his name.”
Although his life was cut short, Kristi takes comfort in the fact that her son lives on, both through those he helped and in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
“I want people to know how good he was, and what a giving person he was,” said Kristi. “I’m glad a part of him lives on. I always try to put myself in somebody else’s shoes. What if William had survived the wreck, but needed donor tissue to help him walk again? I would be so grateful for whoever said yes. Donation is a wonderful thing to do for somebody else, and it has helped with my healing tremendously.”
Did you know? 75 or more lives can be saved and healed by one organ, eye, and tissue donor. Sign up today!