A teenager hit by a stray bullet while out with her boyfriend saved five lives after her family agreed to donate her organs.
The 15-year-old, identified as Maria Fernanda, was caught up in a street fight between criminal groups in Bajío de San José, in the Mexican state of Aguascalientes while heading to the supermarket with her boyfriend.
Maria Fernanda sustained life-altering injuries after being struck in the back and doctors declared her brain dead shortly after she arrived at the hospital to be treated.
The family confirmed the girl would have wanted to donate her organs and she carried into the operating room to the applause of staff and family members.
Video shared by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) shows Maria Fernanda was dressed in the bright red ball gown she had used for her quinceanera.
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Hospital coordinator Sofia Osorio Quintana said five patients at the General Zone Hospital No.2 would get another chance at life thanks to Maria Fernanda’s donation.
In a statement following the release of the clip, the hospital said: “The multidisciplinary health team of this hospital successfully procured the liver, both corneas and kidneys.
“The liver was sent to the Naval Medical Centre, while the kidneys and corneas were sent to the High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE) of Hospital No.1 of the Bajío National Medical Centre, in Guanajuato.”
Maria Fernanda’s family was praised for their decision and for their “extraordinary act of love” towards their daughter and the patients who will be benefitting from her donation.
Twitter user CarlosAf54 said: “Extraordinary act of love!
“Thank you very much to the family of this young lady who, in the midst of the greatest of all pains, is giving 5 people the opportunity to live.
“May God have you in his glory and Rest In Peace. To your parents and other family and friends, comfort them.”
Maria Fernanda had turned 15 on August 6, 2022 and had reportedly been very attached to the gown she had worn for the special milestone.
The 15-year-old’s death comes at a time when Mexico is experiencing a surge of violence, as feuds between competing gangs continue to grow more tense.
Local populations have taken the brunt of the increase in violence but foreign visitors have also been urged to pay particular attention when travelling through Mexico.
