In the middle of an ordinary school day in Chandler, 16-year-old Jayben Trace "Jee" Baguyos Camacho was walking near his high school when everything changed. He was struck by a car while crossing the street on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and later died from his injuries. In his final hours, his family says, Jayben chose to become an organ donor. That choice is now set to help at least three people, a legacy his friends and classmates are clinging to as they gather this week to remember him.
Police say the collision happened as Jayben crossed outside a crosswalk in front of Chandler High School. He was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and later died, according to authorities and the family. The driver stayed at the scene, and investigators are still interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence, according to Local Memphis. As they grieve, the family has asked the community to turn its focus to Jayben’s final wishes and the lives he is helping to save.
Jayben’s parents say his heart will go to a 15-year-old, his lungs to someone who had been on a respirator, and part of his liver to a five-month-old child. To mark his final passage, friends and family joined an honor walk at Chandler Regional Medical Center. Peers and teachers lined the halls in silence as medical staff and donor coordinators escorted his family, per Arizona's Family. His relatives described Jayben as an aspiring game designer and chef who was beloved around campus.
How Donation Is Coordinated Locally
In Arizona, organ recovery and support for donor families are handled by Donor Network of Arizona, the federally designated nonprofit that matches donated organs to recipients. The group works with hospitals to coordinate honor walks and manage the complex medical logistics so donated organs reach compatible patients as quickly as possible, according to Donor Network of Arizona. That coordination is what allows a single donor like Jayben to save or improve multiple lives across the state.
"I hope no one feels guilty about anything. Don't put blame on yourself," Jayben's father told reporters, explaining that the family is focused on honoring his wishes. His mother said she wants her son remembered as someone who supported and motivated others, relatives said in interviews with Local Memphis. Outside Chandler High, a small memorial of flowers, messages, and mementos has appeared as students and neighbors stop by to pay their respects.
Investigation Ongoing
Chandler police say the crash remains under investigation and that no charges have been announced as they continue interviews and review available video, Local Memphis reported. Officials confirmed the driver remained at the scene, and investigators have not released further details about what may have contributed to the collision.
A verified GoFundMe to help the Camacho family has been highlighted by local outlets as neighbors and classmates offer support. At community vigils, conversations have also turned to pedestrian safety near the school, according to local coverage. Family members have asked for privacy as they work through funeral and medical arrangements and try to absorb the loss of a son whose final act is giving others a chance to live.
