MMA fighter says goodbye to son killed by drunk driver, donates his organs
HAWTHORNE, Calif. - MMA fighter and trainer Marcus Kowal and his wife said goodbye to their 15-month-old son Liam.
The baby was taken off life support Tuesday, days after being pronounced brain dead in Hawthorne, California.
His family kept his body hooked to life support for days after his accident on Saturday in order to donate Liam's organs to other children in need.
They shared the decision on social media and called for families in need to reach out.
The heartbreaking process finally ended this week. His family says eight to nine children will live because of their son.
Liam and his 15-year-old aunt were hit by a suspected drunk driver on Saturday.
The duo were reportedly crossing the street just a few feet away from where Liam's dad was training.
It is a memory that visibly moved Liam's father to tears.
"She's 72. She's had her life. She's had the chance to make her decisions. She took that away from us and he never got a chance to make a single decision. I don't want her to get behind the wheel of a car again, but I really don't feel anything towards her," he said.
"I ran out into the street. I saw the stroller lying in the street and then I felt rage, like a wild animal."
Police say the driver behind the wheel was 72 year old Donna Marie Higgins.
She was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run and felony drunken driving.
She was released from jail on a $100,000 bond.
Officials say she may also be charged with involuntary manslaughter because of the baby's death.
Kowal is hoping his story will prevent others from drinking and driving.