Tyler James Edenhofer

Type of Donation:          tissue and corneas

Age and Location:          Age 24 – Phoenix, AZ

Donation Date:             7/25/2018

Sponsor:                   Honored by Artivion

TYLER’S STORY

“He always lit up a room when he walked in and affected so many people,” says Deborah Edenhofer, donor mother, “even ones he never met when he passed.”

Her son, Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Tyler James Edenhofer, responded to 911 calls from drivers saying someone had thrown rocks at their cars while driving on I-10 in the Phoenix area. Because of that July 2018 night, Edenhofer would pass away after being shot. In his final days of field training as a trooper, and engaged to be married, Tyler died at only 24 years old.

“Tyler loved working on cars, fixing them up to the nines, then he would sell them and move on to another one to fix up,” Deborah says. “He loved Mustangs!”

In fact, Tyler’s Mustang went to his best friend, which his mother says is exactly what he would have wanted. Two women in Arizona regained their vision through the corneas Tyler donated. Both ladies can now take in the beautiful desert sunsets, see their loved ones’ smiles, and can have a new appreciation for their surroundings in even the simplest settings. Tyler also donated different types of tissues that helped roughly 20 more people to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

“I know Tyler was proud to donate,” his mother says. “Gone way too soon, he had so much more to give.”

Tyler left behind friends, siblings and his two dogs Copper and Milo, who all wish the rest of us had a chance to know this generous man.

“He was such a great man, and I’m so sorry to the ones out there that never got the chance to meet him,” Deborah says. “He is a hero in so many ways. He impacted so many people’s lives.”