Teen's death gives others 'a second chance of life'

Brandon Ponton singing into a microphone while playing guitarImage source, Family handout
Image caption,

Brandon Ponton, a talented musician, decided to become an organ donor after his mum died of cancer

  • Published

The family of a teenager who was killed in a motorbike crash said he had given "three people a second chance of life" through organ donation.

Brandon Ponton, 18, died in hospital on Wednesday, 31 July after his bike hit a car in Milton Keynes.

His dad, Wayne Ponton, said Brandon had made the "bravest of choices" to become an organ donor at a young age, after losing his mum to cancer when he was only nine.

Mr Ponton described his son as a "vibrant, intelligent and talented boy taken far too soon".

'Talented musician'

He added: "Brandon’s final farewell was to give three other families another opportunity.

"Through Brandon’s tragic passing, three people were given a second chance of life."

Mr Ponton, who is fundraising for a "fitting celebration" of his son, paid tribute to "a talented musician" who "loved to rock out with his friends".

He said: "Having taught himself the guitar, he loved nothing more than performing, sharing his talent, having fun, and being the centre of attention.

"Brandon was flamboyant and touched so many lives in such a short time, and he will be missed by so many, for so long."

Image source, Family handout
Image caption,

Brandon had taught himself to play guitar and "loved performing"

Brandon was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

His sister, Daniella, thanked the staff there, saying they "tried their hardest" to save him.

In a social media post, she added: “We are all so utterly proud of you. We always have been. Go and have a good jam with the rock stars up there."

Thames Valley Police said just after 16:30 BST on Sunday, 28 July a Suzuki motorcycle hit a Vauxhall Corsa at the junction of Marsh Drive and Wolverton Road, in Great Linford, Milton Keynes.

The driver of the car, a woman in her 20s, suffered minor injuries.

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