Waylon Sam Death Cause And Obituary: The 4-Year-Boy Who Loved Windmills and Donated His Organs
Waylon Sam was a happy, cheeky, and loving four-year-old boy who enjoyed celebrating his birthday, playing with his brothers, and laughing at windmills.
He had autism, which gave him a unique personality and a special bond with his family. He was also a hero, who saved four lives by donating his organs after his tragic death.
How Waylon Sam Died
Waylon’s life was cut short on August 14, 2023, when he was crushed by a fallen set of drawers in his bedroom. The accident happened while he was under the care of a babysitter, who left him unattended for 15 minutes.
Waylon Sam’s mother, Madison Holley, found him lifeless and blue, with no pulse. She tried to revive him, but it was too late. Waylon was rushed to the hospital, where he was placed on life support.
His brain had been deprived of oxygen for too long, and despite the medical team’s best efforts, he could not be saved. Madison faced the heartbreaking decision to turn off the machines that kept him alive.
How Sam Saved Lives
As Waylon’s condition deteriorated, Madison learned that he was eligible to be an organ donor. She decided to honor his memory by giving the gift of life to others. She consented to donate his heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
Thanks to her courageous choice, Waylon saved four lives, including a one-year-old girl, a four-year-old boy, a 32-year-old woman, and a 36-year-old man. Madison said she was proud of her son for being a hero, and hoped to meet the recipients of his organs someday.
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How Waylon Was Remembered
Waylon’s death shocked and saddened his family, friends, and community. He was farewelled at a funeral service on August 28, 2023, where his mother delivered a touching eulogy. She described him as a happy boy who loved his siblings, especially his big brother Cade, who was like his voice.
She also shared his fascination with windmills, which always made him smile and laugh. She said he was a beautiful soul who touched many hearts, and thanked everyone for their support and prayers.
😭🥹♥️♥️✊🏼✊🏼 Honoring a Hero – Waylon Sam & his mama who chose organ donation which in turn saved the life of our sweet Bella ♥️ & 2 other children. Not all hero’s wear capes 🫶🏼✊🏼 https://t.co/V2n9vubZQm
— Ashley Davene (@AshleyDavene) January 27, 2024
As news of Waylon Sam’s death and organ donation spread, he received an outpouring of love and admiration from people across the country and beyond. A local tattoo shop started an event called Windmills for Waylon, where many people got windmill tattoos to honor him.
A petition was launched on Change.org, calling for justice for Waylon and demanding the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to reopen the investigation into his death and the babysitter’s role. The petition has gathered over 25,000 signatures so far.
A memorial fund was also set up to help Madison and her family with the funeral and medical expenses. The fund has raised over $40,000 to date.
A Final Message from Waylon’s Mother
Madison Holley said she was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of strangers, who helped her cope with her grief and loss. She said she was grateful for the opportunity to share Waylon’s story, and hoped it would raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured furniture and the importance of organ donation. She also had a final message for her son, who will always be in her heart:
“Waylon Sam, I love you so much. You are my hero. You are my angel. You are my everything. You will always be my baby boy. You will always be four. I miss you more than words can say. I can’t wait to see you again. Until then, I will keep you in my thoughts and dreams. You are the wind beneath my wings.”
