Aaron Avery, a 22-year-old security guard working at the World Cup in Los Angeles, died after being struck by a vehicle while walking home from his second day on the job. The incident occurred on June 15 near Van Ness Avenue, approximately two miles from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, following the Group G match between Iran and New Zealand.
Fatal incident and organ donation
Avery suffered a traumatic brain injury after being hit by a vehicle at around 10:30 p.m. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and placed on life support but was pronounced dead the following day. According to ABC 7, Avery donated his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, which could potentially save up to eight lives.
His aunt, Norma Quinn, told CBS News: “This is a very devastating moment for my family. He was my sister’s baby. It’s very devastating.”
Financial burden and community support
Avery's family said they are facing significant end-of-life expenses, medical bills and funeral costs. A GoFundMe page has been set up, raising just under $10,000 (£7,575) so far. A family statement on the page read: “Aaron was a caring and dedicated son who loved helping his community. His involvement with the World Cup was a source of pride for him and his family. The unexpected tragedy has left his loved ones facing significant end-of-life expenses, medical bills, and funeral costs. We are reaching out to the community for support during this difficult time, hoping to ease the financial burden and honor Aaron's memory.”
Other tragedies at the World Cup
This incident adds to a series of tragedies during this year's World Cup. Donny Strathie, a 76-year-old Scotland fan, died in Boston before he could watch his team play Morocco. An 80-year-old man also died from a suspected heart attack at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hours before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
