A Heartbreaking Story of Loss and Organ Donation
A tragic video captures the final moments of 19-year-old Brady Heiling’s life, allegedly taken by an illegal immigrant drunk driver. His family gathered to bid him farewell before his organs were donated.
In a poignant post, Brady’s mother, Jen Heiling, shared a video of his lifeless body being wheeled through a hospital corridor, surrounded by tearful family and friends. A “DONATE LIFE” sign adorned the stretcher, symbolizing his organ donation.
“Brady Allen Heiling you are soooooo LOVED!…” his mother expressed in the emotional post.
As loved ones said their goodbyes to Brady, hooked up to a breathing machine, they leaned on his chest and mourned.
Tragedy struck when Brady Heiling and his “love” Hallie Helgeson, 18, lost their lives in a collision caused by an illegal immigrant drunk driver driving the wrong way on an interstate near Madison.
The driver, Honduran national Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, 30, was intoxicated and driving in the wrong direction, resulting in the fatal crash that claimed the lives of the two teens.
Hallie Helgeson died at the scene, while Brady Heiling, despite fighting for five days after being airlifted, succumbed to his injuries.
“Hallie Helgeson and Brady Heiling had their whole lives ahead of them—and they would still be alive today if it weren’t for Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila,” shared DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
Following Brady’s tragic passing, Jen Heiling expressed her need for rest and the hope that her son’s harvested organs could save more lives.
Martinez-Avila, the driver responsible for the crash, had a history of driving offenses, including a prior drunk driving conviction and various traffic violations.
Despite being required to have a device in her car that prevents it from starting if alcohol is detected, Martinez-Avila did not have it installed during the fatal collision.
ICE lodged a detainer against Martinez-Avila and criticized the sanctuary policies in the area, emphasizing the need for tougher enforcement.
Martinez-Avila faces charges of felony vehicular homicide and impaired driving, with ICE pursuing her deportation following her arrest.
