Family comforted by donation of Fleming Island football player's organs

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — The parents of 16-year-old Ben Johnson are opening up for the first time after their son's death.

Ben passed away after going into cardiac arrest in a Fleming Island High School weight room in September.

Ben was a football and baseball player. His mother described him as a teddy bear, a teammate, and caring big brother, selfless in everything he did.

His parents Aaron and Tricia Johnson are trying to figure out how to live without him.

Tricia said dinner time becomes the most painful.

“There's just a void, I walk into the house, he’s not here anymore, and he’s never coming back," Tricia Johnson said. “All the dreams I had, when he gets married. All the things that a parent looks forward to is never going to be.”

The Johnsons shared they could not have kids for eight years, that Ben was a miracle, and blessing to their lives and every moment they shared is one she will forever cherish.

“Rather than focus on the loss, I’m focusing on the 16 amazing years we had with Ben,” Tricia Johnson said.

Before Ben died, he made a decision last year to become an organ donor. The teen will never know how much of an impact that choice has made today.

Ben's sudden death would bring life to three strangers. As painful as their loss is, his parents have found peace in Ben's lifesaving donations of his kidneys, liver, pancreas and lungs

The Johnsons have created a scholarship fund in Ben's honor. It will be given to a FIHS baseball and football player.

Cox Media Group