In the aftermath of the tragic passing of a Minnesota Vikings star, his death ended up saving the lives of four people.
Back in February, former Vikings defensive back Ronyell Whittaker passed away at the age of 46.
But after his death, the Virginia native remained on life support as he chose to have his organs donated to help save others.
Professionals at the M Health Fairview Donor Care Unit ended up using his body to save the lives of four people, according to Whitaker’s partner Laurie Charboneau.
‘Ronyell loved coaching high school kids,’ Charboneau told the hospital. ‘He would introduce himself to the parents and say, ‘I’m not just their coach for football. I’m their mentor, so if the kids ever have something going on, I’m here.”
She added, ‘He always wanted to help in any way, and I’m sure he felt the same way when he checked the box to be an organ donor.’
Late Minnesota Vikings star Ronyell Whitaker saved four lives through organ donation
Whitaker, who played in Minnesota for two seasons, passed away in February at the age of 46
Charboneau told local station KARE that Whitaker ‘would be very excited to know that this, his life continued on.’
While the specifics of Whitaker’s organ donations weren’t released, Charboneau told KARE that his lungs were among the body parts used to help the four recipients.
‘I do think about them. I think about their families and I think about how their health is now, hoping that they’re feeling better,’ Charboneau told the outlet.
‘He would have been so proud and happy to have helped them. He donated his heart to science as well. So that’s pretty amazing.’
Whitaker joined the Vikings in 2006 and appeared in 27 games over the course of two seasons. He recorded 31 tackles, one pass defended and a fumble recovery.
The defensive back played college football at Virginia Tech and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003 as an undrafted free agent.
After leaving the Vikings and spending part of the 2008 offseason with the Lions, Whitaker concluded his career in the CFL.
