Ullal: A 21-year-old youth who suffered critical head injuries in a bike-scooter collision near Kuthar has been declared brain dead, following which his parents decided to donate his organs.

The deceased has been identified as Varshith Kulal, younger son of Gopal and Vedavathi of Ayere Bettu in Kuthar. Varshith was unmarried and was reportedly working in fabrication. He is survived by his parents and an elder brother.

The decision by his family to donate his organs came amid their grief and has the potential to help several patients awaiting transplants. Hospital sources said requests had been received for his kidneys, liver, heart and lungs, with arrangements made to transport the organs to recipient hospitals through a green or zero-traffic corridor.

Accident occurred near Kuthar

The accident took place at around 7.30 pm on Monday near the Koragajja Adi Kshetra area in Kuthar.

According to reports, Varshith was riding his motorcycle towards his home from Kuthar when his bike collided head-on with a scooter travelling from Ranipura towards Kuthar. The collision occurred near Durga Auto Works.

The impact threw Varshith onto the road, causing severe injuries to his head. He was immediately shifted to Yenepoya Hospital in Deralakatte, where he was admitted for treatment.

The scooter rider, identified as Dheeraj, also sustained serious injuries in the accident and is undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Doctors declare Varshith brain dead

Despite treatment, Varshith’s condition remained critical. Doctors subsequently declared him brain dead.

Following medical advice, his parents gave consent for organ donation. Hospital authorities reportedly followed the required medical procedures before proceeding with the donation.

Reports said a medical team from Bengaluru arrived to carry out the organ retrieval process. Requests had been received from different hospitals for several of Varshith’s organs.

The case highlights the distinction between brain death and ordinary unconsciousness. Brain death is a medically and legally recognised condition in which there is irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain. Organ donation can be considered after the prescribed medical assessment and consent procedures.

Organs transported through green corridor

Following the family’s decision, arrangements were made to transport the donated organs to hospitals where they could be used for patients awaiting transplantation.

A subsequent local report said the liver, kidneys, lungs and corneas were retrieved at Yenepoya Hospital. The kidneys were sent to A.J. Hospital in Mangaluru, the liver to a hospital in Manipal and the lungs to KIMS Hospital in Bengaluru through a zero-traffic corridor.

The use of a green or zero-traffic corridor helps reduce travel time for organs that need to reach transplant centres within a limited period.

The organ-donation process was carried out after the necessary medical assessments and procedures at the hospital.

Family takes decision amid grief

Varshith’s parents faced the loss of their young son while also making the decision to donate his organs.

The family’s decision means that organs that could not save Varshith’s life could potentially help other critically ill patients waiting for transplants.

Hospital authorities and those associated with the family have acknowledged the decision as significant, particularly because it was taken during a period of intense personal grief.

Following completion of the organ-donation procedure, Varshith’s body was kept at the hospital for relatives, friends and others to pay their last respects. His body was subsequently handed over to the family after the post-mortem formalities.

Police investigate accident

The Mangaluru South Traffic Police have registered a case in connection with the accident and are investigating the circumstances that led to the collision.

The investigation will establish the circumstances surrounding the head-on collision between the motorcycle and scooter.

Varshith’s death has left his family and local community mourning the loss of a 21-year-old. At the same time, the decision to donate his organs has opened the possibility of giving other patients a chance at life.

The incident has once again brought attention to the importance of organ donation and the impact such decisions can have on patients awaiting life-saving transplants.