Tragic Pool Drowning Leads to Life-Saving Organ Donations

In early August, 2-year-old Malachi Israel LeBlanc was found unresponsive while swimming at a community pool on San Antonio’s Far North Side. Bystanders pulled him from the water and emergency services provided lifesaving efforts before transporting him to a local hospital. He remained in critical condition, was later declared brain-dead, and died a few days after the accident. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death an accident.

People Magazine

During Malachi’s hospital stay, the Texas Organ Donation Alliance approached his parents, Grace and Myron LeBlanc, about organ donation. Grace initially expressed hesitation, but after reflecting on families awaiting transplants, she agreed to proceed, hoping her son could become a “miracle” for another child. The LeBlancs’ decision is expected to result in donations of Malachi’s heart, liver and kidneys, depending on medical suitability.

People Magazine

Donate Life America reports that more than 2,200 children under 18 are on the national transplant waiting list, with 27 % younger than five years old. The donation of a single donor can potentially save multiple young lives; a GoFundMe campaign created after the tragedy notes that three children are slated to receive Malachi’s organs.

People Magazine

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the circumstances of the drowning, while the medical examiner’s office classified the incident as accidental. The Texas Organ Donation Alliance facilitated the donation process. A GoFundMe page was launched to cover funeral expenses and to inform the public about the forthcoming transplants. The sheriff’s office declined further comment when approached.

People Magazine

• “If we weren’t going to receive the miracle we wanted, I wanted Malachi to be that miracle for someone else,” — Grace LeBlanc

People Magazine

• “Those babies who will receive Malachi’s organs will get a chance at life. Those families will receive a blessing that our Lord has provided for them through Malachi,” — Myron LeBlanc

People Magazine