Magnolia tree planted at Lucy Beckham High honors student who saved lives through organ donation

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – A magnolia tree was planted outside Lucy Beckham High School in honor of a 16-year-old student who died of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning two years ago.

The teenager, Brady Lee, was an organ donor, and those who knew him say his selfless decision to give back after death will help save and improve the lives of others.

“Brady was in automotive class. He was working in an auto body shop and modified his car,” said Kevin Lee, the teenager’s father. “Neither of us had any idea that that was something that could even happen. It’s a silent killer, and because he did just an innocent thing trying to make his car loud and sound cooler, it ended up costing him his life.”

Brady’s mother and father, Kristen and Kevin Lee, acted quickly and honored their son’s wishes to save lives with organ donation.

“I got a call the morning after his death, and that’s a call that no parent ever wants to get. Brady was such a sweet, caring kid, and what better way to honor his legacy than to allow him to live on and other people and to positively continue to impact other people,” said Kevin.

Brady’s heart of pure gold and his fast-acting parents gave sight to those who had none and precious replacement tissue to those who needed it to live.

“He was just a great kid who loved animals, loved his family, and it was just an innocent boy making an innocent mistake,” said mom Kristen Lee.

So, they planted a tree in his honor in the courtyard of Lucy Beckham High School, in the presence of his peers, his friends, the faculty, and his family.

“He’s helped tons of people out. I know he’s helped out two people with getting their sight back. This is something Brady really wanted to do is help others,” said Jack Lamonica, Brady’s best friend.

“Seeing those people coming out who truly cared about Brady. It just made me feel so amazing about how this event was going and how Brady was so loved by others,” he added

The magnolia tree planted Thursday outside the school is said to be able to live for 120 years, and every person at the ceremony hopes that it does.

Those interested in becoming an organ donor or who want to learn more about how donations can save others can visit SharingHopeSC.org.