‘Tyler is a hero’: Manitoba teen gives a special gift to strangers after his death

STEINBACH, Man. — A weekend crash in Steinbach has left a family without their teenage son but many strangers with a second chance.

16-year-old Tyler Klassen was critically injured in a car crash Saturday while he was behind the wheel. Both Tyler and the passenger were taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. But, Tyler later died from his injuries.

“Heartbroken. It’s just so sad that had to happen to him,” said Raya Martens, who knew Tyler from school.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Heartbroken. It's just so sad that had to happen to him," said Raya Martens, who knew Tyler from school.

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In one of the most difficult times a parent will ever have to live through, his mother remembered a wish Tyler had shared with her recently.

“Tyler had just a few months ago told his mom he’d want to donate his organs if anything were to happen to him. That itself should paint a big picture of his heart right there,” said family friend Doreen Dueck.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Tyler had just a few months ago told his mom he'd want to donate his organs if anything were to happen to him. That itself should paint a big picture of his heart right there," said family friend Doreen Dueck.

On Wednesday morning Tyler underwent a six hour surgery where his viable organs were removed, as per his wish. Doctors told his family the organ donation gave 45 strangers a second chance.

To help his mom pay for the unexpected cost of burying her only son, friends have come together and created a Go Fund Me page.

Police said alcohol was not a factor and both passengers were wearing their seat belts.