MINNEAPOLIS — A grieving family is making sure that something good comes from a heartwrenching loss, donating the heart of their son so another child can live.
Covil Lee Allen's family decided to share the 3-year-old's organs after doctors determined he would not survive being attacked by two dogs at a home in Brooklyn Park on July 19. A post by a family friend on a GoFundMe page set up to help Covil's family says the child's heart was transplanted into a 1-year-old girl, giving her a chance at life.
"Tasha and Chuck didn’t even think twice when they were asked for Covil to donate his organs," wrote Lindsey Hemmerich. "That is just what kind of people they are and it really shows when you look at all of the love and support they have received. Today the Life Source flag will fly high over HCMC for Covil Lee Allen."
"This is the most beautiful thing to come from this tragedy and we couldn’t be happier that his heart was able to save someone," she continued. "Sadly his liver did not fit the child on the list to receive it but his heart will live on."
The post also shared a picture from an Honor Walk at HCMC Monday night as Covil was wheeled to the OR for the transplant procedure. Officers from Brooklyn Park were there to honor the 3-year-old, including some who responded to the attack and helped save Covil's brother and his mom.
At this point, it is unclear whether criminal charges will be filed in connection with the fatal dog attack.
