15-year-old declared brain dead after ATV crash will be an organ donor, parents say

ELLIS COUNTY, Texas (WFAA) — Loved ones say a 15-year-old Texas teen has lost his life after crashing an all-terrain vehicle while riding with friends over the weekend.

Ayden Hayes was a sophomore and football player at Milford High School, where his picture still hangs. He wore No. 4 for the school’s six-man team.

“He was an amazing athlete,” Donald Hayes, Ayden’s parent, said.

Donald and Amy Hayes said they watched their son run for a touchdown last week, not knowing it would be his last.

“It’s hard. There are so many people that loved him and cared about him. Everybody is posting about him, so every time you open social media, it’s his face. It’s touching, but it hurts at the same time,” Amy Hayes said.

The family was called to Dale Acres around midnight Sunday, a back road they say their son knew well.

“He could have driven those roads with his eyes closed,” Amy Hayes said.

Ayden was riding his four-wheeler with friends, something he had done throughout his childhood.

“He always wears his helmet. Just lost for words, honestly,” Donald Hayes said.

There was a crash. Their son did not survive.

Ayden’s parents say their son is considered to be brain dead, with him being placed on life support to serve as an organ donor, and his body being kept at the hospital.

The teen’s father called it his son’s final heroic gift.

“It just means his legacy carries on,” Donald Hayes said.

His parents say it is a loss they don’t yet know how to put into words.

“He was my baby,” Amy Hayes said.

The community is rallying around the Hayes family and plans to honor Ayden’s life at Milford City Park.

“That’s the only thing that makes this a little bit easier is to know how much he was loved,” Amy Hayes said.

An online fundraiser has been set up to help cover unexpected costs and ease the burden on the Hayes family.