Bray Park teen Ben Shaw donates organs after fatal weightlifting accident

THE Brisbane teenager who died on Saturday after a weightlifting accident donated his major organs to those in need, potentially saving the lives of 10 people.

A BRISBANE teenager who died on Saturday after a weightlifting accident donated his major organs to those in need, potentially saving the lives of 10 people.

Ben Shaw, 15, from Bray Park in Brisbane’s north, was critically injured when a barbell carrying almost 100kg fell on to his throat during a bench press accident last Tuesday.

The Bray Park High School student and rugby league player died in Brisbane’s Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital surrounded by family and friends after five days on life support.

In a statement yesterday, Ben’s family revealed his legacy would live on.

Bray Park State High School student Ben Shaw, 15, has died after a weightlifting accident.

“Ben was able to leave a legacy and donate his organs and tissue, giving life to others,” the statement read.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in Ben’s care, including all friends and family.”

About 1600 people are on the transplant waiting list at any one time, government statistics show.

A DonateLife Queensland spokeswoman said they could not comment on individual cases because of patient confidentiality, but it was a “tragedy for any family to lose a loved one unexpectedly”.

“Many families in this position choose to follow the wishes of their loved one to save lives through organ and tissue donation,” she said.

“Anyone who donates organs has the potential to save up to 10 lives, and more through tissue donation.”

Ben’s accident occurred at the Pine Rivers PCYC about 7.30pm.

It is believed he was attempting a bench press using a Smith machine at more than 30kg his body weight.

PCYC Queensland chairman Garry Humphries said words were “not enough to describe the sadness we feel for the Shaw family”.

“We are extremely saddened by the news of Ben Shaw’s passing and our deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends at this very difficult time,” he said.

Mr Humphries said the PCYC was fully co-operating with the ongoing Worksafe Queensland investigation into the incident.

Flowers left at the Pine Rivers PCYC where ben Shaw tragically got stuck under a weights machine and passed away. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

“I know people want answers and so do we,” he said.

“We take the health and safety of our members very seriously and are also conducting our own investigation into the incident.

“However, our focus today is on supporting everybody who has been touched by this tragedy.”

The Pine Rivers PCYC will remain closed until further notice.

Pine Central Holy Spirit Hornets rugby league club president Sharon Hickey passed on her condolences to the Shaw family.

“As a club we will be assisting to see the world through Ben’s eyes and ensure his legacy lives on in support of his parent’s and family,” she said.

Police and Worksafe Queensland will prepare a report for the coroner. An investigation is under way.