Friends and family of Haley McLaughlin will gather next month to honor the young mother whose final act gave the gift of life to eight people.
A public Celebration of Life will take place on September 6 at 4 p.m. at Casey Park in Ontario, NY. Haley passed away on July 18, just 13 days after being hit by a car while helping someone on the side of the road in Webster.
A legacy of giving, even in tragedy
Haley, 29, was struck after stopping to help a man who had hit a deer. She was left paralyzed and placed on life support. Doctors said she would not survive the surgeries needed for recovery.
Unable to speak, Haley used her eyes to communicate her final decision—she wanted to be taken off life support and donate her organs. Her choice saved eight lives, according to her family and friends.
“She didn’t have much, but she would help as much as she could,” said Ashley Baker, one of Haley’s closest friends. “She would give her shirt off her back if someone needed it.”
Remembering Haley
Haley was known for hunting down free items on Facebook Marketplace and delivering them to local moms in need. Formula, diapers, clothes—if someone needed it, Haley found a way to help. She also loved sending photos of sunsets to her friends and stopping by unannounced just to check in.
“There won’t be a funeral,” said her friends. “This celebration will be all about her heart, her impact, and her love for others.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover burial costs and support Haley’s 3-year-old daughter, Cece. You can contribute at here.
Haley was born on January 11, 1996, and will be remembered as someone who always showed up for others—right up to her final moments.
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