The tragic death of 8-year-old basketball player Răzvan Țârlea, who lost his life after a horrific bus accident on the Autostrada Soarelui in June 2025, led to a powerful act of generosity that saved multiple young lives[3]. Răzvan’s parents consented to organ donation, and his heart now beats inside 10-year-old Daria, who had been awaiting a transplant for over a year[3]. This life-saving heart transplant was performed at the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases and Transplant in Târgu Mureș after the organ was transported by military helicopter from Bucharest[3].
Beyond Daria’s new chance at life, Răzvan’s donated liver and kidneys provided vital organs to three other children aged 10 to 12 in Bucharest and Târgu Mureș, illustrating the profound impact of one family’s heartbreaking but heroic decision[3]. The operation, led by Dr. Horațiu Suciu, symbolized hope and human solidarity in the face of immense tragedy, following a fatal accident that also claimed the life of the young coach Marius Coman and involved the Star Oradea basketball team en route to a youth tournament[1][3].
This story highlights the critical importance of organ donation in pediatric care and the enduring legacy of a young athlete whose final act continues to give life and hope.