A fund has been set up in memory of a Rock Island High School student who passed away.
Donavin Keim, a 17-year-old Junior at Rock Island High School who was on the football and wrestling team, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2014.
Donavin was in gym class on Wednesday, March 12 when his family says he passed out. He was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital. The family says he needed to be life lined to Peoria but due to the weather, was taken by ambulance instead.
But it was too late. By the time he arrived to OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria on Wednesday, doctors pronounced Donavin brain dead. The next day, Thursday, March 13, Donavin passed away.
The family says they have ordered an autopsy.
Just hours after hearing the news, several Rock Island High School football players and wrestlers drove to Peoria. The Rock Island football coach also arrived in Peoria to deliver Donavin's number 50 football jersey to his parents.
"It was a gesture that the football program wanted to put out there and just take time to see his family," said Bryan Stortz, football coach at Rock Island High School.
And Donavin's teammates say they will never forget his work ethic, passion, and determination.
"He never quit. I feel like he just bought that winning attitude and I just looked up to that," said J.T. Jones, a Junior at Rock Island High School and teammate of Donavin.
Donavan was an organ donor and his organs were donated to teenagers in need. Just a reminder of the legacy Donavan left.
Donavin Keim's viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19 between 3 and 8 p.m at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Ave Rock Island, IL. Donavan's funeral will be on March 20 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
You can help Donavin's Keim's family by purchasing one of the following at The New Style Barbershop at 101 5th Avenue Moline, IL
- Donavin Keim button
- T-shirt
There is also a vehicle decal that will be on sale soon at Rock Island High School.
Another memorial fund was reportedly established to accept donations at any IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union branch. After covering Donavin's medical and funeral expenses, his family planned to establish a scholarship program for student athletes who compete in wrestling or football and embody Donavin's spirit.