The family of a South Carolina boy who died in a tragic hunting accident on November 24 gave the gift of life to five people by donating his organs. Avery Matthew Davis died from a gunshot wound sustained from a stray bullet while he was in a tree stand. He was only 6 years old.
His family decided after the devastating accident to turn tragedy into something remarkable by donating his organs to hopefully help others live longer lives. Avery's father, Jeremy Davis, told ABC News his son's death was a "freak accident," and the family continues to support the hunting and outdoor sports community.
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Avery loved to be outdoors.
Avery was a first-grader at Calhoun Academy and played baseball for the Cameron Colts, according to his obituary. The post described him as an avid outdoorsman.
"When he was not playing ball, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, and riding his dirt bike or ATVs. Avery enjoyed doing anything outdoors and spent the majority of the summer on the lakes and rivers boating and swimming. He was a coon hunting competitor that participated in many different state's hunts."
His father said everyone loved his little boy.
In a Facebook post, Jeremy Davis remembered Avery as a fun-loving kid everyone adored. He thanked the community for their prayers and asked for continued thoughts for his family:
“Thank you for all the prayers and love we have received during this tragic accident. I’m at a loss of words and I can’t process it. There is so much to say about this bright soul and big heart but I don’t know where to begin. Everyone that knew this boy of mine loved him. He was a live wire that was known all across the country for his silly ways and love of the outdoors. He definitely got his money worth out of his 6 short years on earth. I know we aren’t supposed to question our God but I’m struggling not to. The only thing I can think of is that God had some good hounds in heaven and needed a handler for them.”
Avery's family does not want this accident to deter people from outdoor activities.
In his statement to ABC News, the grieving father asked that no one use Avery's death as an opportunity to speak out against hunting and outdoor sports. Instead, he wants to take this accident as an opportunity to make things safer.
"We ask that everyone please focus on the positive outcome of our tragic loss and we ask that none of the families involved, or the sport of hunting, be depicted in a negative way, as this would be very disrespectful to our son, who had a true love of the outdoors and hunting," the statement reads.
The community has surrounded Avery's family with love.
Both Jeremy Davis and Avery's mom, Cindy Davis, posted a video on Facebook of volunteer firefighters lining the streets of the family's hometown of Orangeburg. A parade of vehicles rode down the street as first responders waved. According to his obituary, Avery hoped to attend Clemson University when he grew up to play football. He also wanted to be a police officer.
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Many left words of encouragement for the family.
Supporters left love and prayers on Cindy Davis' Facebook page.
"I will continue to pray for the family's strength & heartache. I didn't know Avery but from his pictures he sure seemed like a precious lil boy. This was such a wonderful tribute," one person wrote.
"When I came around the curve and saw this I just cried! So special!" another comment reads.
"Avery brought us all together. I didn't know him but he impacted my family. God bless and this community loves you." someone else wrote.
According to a tweet by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Avery's death is under investigation, although it's been determined to have been an accident.
