Organs Of Long Island Student, Who Collapsed On Football Field, Saved 3 Lives

STONY BROOK, NY — The 17-year-old Long Island high school student, who was declared brain dead after collapsing on the football field, donated three of his organs to people on the eastern seaboard, LiveOnNY said in a statement on Sunday.

Robert Bush, of Selden, "tragically lost his life" and "became an organ donor hero" after "generously giving the gift of life to those in need," the organization's president and Chief Executive Officer, Leonard Achan, said in a statement, adding that he saved the lives of people in New York, New Jersey, and in Massachusetts "in need of kidney and liver transplants to have a second chance at life."

"Robert was a loving brother and son, a loyal friend, a dedicated teammate, and a beloved member of his Selden community," Achan said.

"LiveOnNY is humbled and honored to be the stewards of these precious gifts on behalf of Robert and his family so that he and others may live on," he said. "We extend our deepest condolences to his large and loving family and to his community, friends, and teammates. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them during this difficult time."

Bush's brother, Steve Bush, told Newsday that "'Prove them wrong' was his brother's motto the last couple of years as far as the goals he wanted to achieve."

“But even after death, we realized that motto still very much applies to him and what he’s done already saved three lives," he said.

Bush was recognized with an honor walk on Friday night at Stony Brook University Hospital, where his organs were to harvested, Middle Country School District officials said in a statement.

The teen collapsed just after 5 p.m. on Monday, and a football coach began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, and then called 911, before he was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment, authorities said.

Bush had been bending over during conditioning drills when he suddenly lost consciousness, his brother told Newsday.

He had been without proper blood and oxygen flow to his brain for at least 45 minutes and was placed on life support, the outlet reported.

In a note to parents Friday night, Schools Superintendent Roberta Gerold noted her update was not "what we had hoped it would be."

"With a very heavy heart, I must inform you that Robert Bush, the student who collapsed Monday at Newfield High School, passed away earlier today," read a message posted to the district's website. "We are heartbroken for Robert's family and friends, and all who were fortunate to have been touched by his boundless enthusiasm and love of life."

An honor walk will take place "in recognition of the Bush family's decision to donate his organs to help provide life-saving miracles for others in need," Gerold said.

Arrangements of future services and memorials will be provided at another time, according to Gerold.

Counselors will be available at the high school Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for students, district staff members, or members "of our school district community who feels the need to talk through their feelings during this difficult time," Gerold said.

"In closing, I would like to express once again, on behalf of the Middle Country Central School District Board of Education, and the entire Middle Country Central School District community, our heartfelt condolences to his family. We ask that you keep Robert and his family in your prayers," she wrote.

Bush had been outside for around four minutes during the school's intramural summer sports program when he collapsed, school district officials told parents in a letter on Monday night.

"District personnel immediately began administering emergency first aid until paramedics arrived," the letter. "The student was then rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital."

"At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the student and the student’s family. The district will provide more information as it becomes available," the letter continued.

"We understand how difficult a message like this is to receive," the letter read, adding that counselors and support staff will be available at the school.

A school district spokesman declined to comment beyond the letter's contents.

Sixth Squad detectives in Selden are investigating the teen's collapse, according to police.