Boy Buried in Cave-in Donates Organs

A boy buried when a cave he was digging collapsed donated his organs today.

Eleven-year-old Anthony Fowler died at 4:56 a.m. today as doctors removed his living organs at Rady Children's Hospital, according to an announcement written by Gretchen Fowler, his mother.

"Anthony made the ultimate sacrifice to give so many others a chance to live.

Today, as with every other day, he is our hero," the announcement reads. "As his parents, we are sad, but at the same time, very proud that our son has given the gift of life to others. We looked on with sadness in our hearts, tears in our eyes, but a smile of pride as they wheeled him into the OR."

Anthony and a friend were digging a tunnel in an embankment when it caved in.

The other child was only partially buried and escaped, but Anthony was buried for several minutes before his friend and several passersby freed him.

To read more about what happened, click here.

Doctors pronounced the child brain dead on Monday afternoon, and his parents were told he would never recover on Tuesday, Fowler wrote.

"It was then we decided to offer what Anthony had to give, the parts of his body he no longer would use," she wrote on the family's website.

The donation was originally slated for 2 a.m. today, but it was delayed when air traffic was diverted for a high-profile visitor coming into the area, Fowler wrote.

Friends of Anthony's family opened an account to benefit other families who are victims of tragedy. Anybody wishing to give can deposit a donation in account number 9349493214 at Wells Fargo bank, send a Paypal payment to theorioncorp@gmail.com or mail a contribution to PO box 893522 Temecula, CA 92589.