Jesse Tyler Hill, the family "brainiac," knew he wanted to become an engineer. At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he was studying rocket and satellite design. On New Year's Day 2013, while taking a walk, Jesse and his girlfriend were struck on the sidewalk by an impaired driver. In the midst of his tragic death, Jesse went on to give others the opportunity to live a full life through organ, tissue and cornea donations. Only months before, he had chosen to be a donor. According to his mother, Crystal "organ donation is a conversation many families in the community have had because of Jesse."

Jesse's Story

From the beginning, everyone who met Jesse knew he was someone special. Jesse lived a full and rich life in his short 18 years. He was a joy to his family, the ideal 'big brother', pursued his goals, and had an awesome group of friends and a beautiful girl whom he loved. He was full of laughter and was a constant blessing to those who knew him.

In his early years it was obvious he was the "brainiac" of the family. If Jesse wasn't reading or tinkering, you would find him outside exploring. Jesse knew at a young age he wanted to become an engineer and he began working towards this goal. He graduated from North West Career & Technical Academy in Las Vegas with an advanced diploma in engineering. Jesse set his sights on college and only wanted to attend the best school for his chosen career - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in AZ. One of his greatest accomplishments, prior to his untimely death, was making the honor roll for his first and only semester at Embry-Riddle where he was studying rocket and satellite design.

In addition to being a great student, Jesse blessed many families. As a youth he worked in the nursery at Grace Point Church with his mother, Crystal, and brother, Jeremy. Jesse and Jeremy would babysit children during the week while their parents attended Bible study and it wasn't long before Jesse was the "go-to" babysitter for many families. He also served the community through his church in many other ways: hanging door invitations for Easter services; delivering food to needy families through the City Mission of Las Vegas; assisting with a Christmas party for the women and children at Shade Tree Women's Shelter; crafting wooden toys for Toys for Smiles; and assisting the City of North Las Vegas during their Independence Day Jubilee. One of his last acts of service was choosing to become an organ donor, which he did months before his death when he received his driver's license.

On New Year's Day 2013, while taking a walk to a neighborhood park to take photos, Jesse and his girlfriend were struck on a residential sidewalk by a drugged driver. It is believed that in the last few moments of his life, Jesse took the brunt of the impact of the vehicle, saving her life. In the midst of his tragic death, Jesse went on to give others the opportunity to live a full life through his organ, cornea, tissue and bone donations.

Organ donation is now a conversation many families in the community have had because of Jesse. Decisions have been made and numerous donor cards signed as a result. It is with much hope that these people will share their decision to become organ donors, so one day there will be a reduction in the number of deaths of those waiting for a lifesaving transplants.