MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) – Friends and family of a teenage boy who died in 2023 remembered his legacy by planting a tree Thursday morning.

Brady Lee was 16 when he died on July 18, 2023, from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the nonprofit Sharing Hope SC.

His parents, Kristen and Kevin Lee, were among those who attended a tree dedication ceremony at Lucy Beckham High School to pay tribute to Lee, who was an organ donor.

His parents say they are now looking to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning and organ donation.

“After his death, a call no parent ever wants to get, asking if you would consider having your child be an organ donor, obviously that was something we needed to think about and talk about. Upon reflection, when you are in that place, you can be selfish and say no im not going to let someone benefit from my child’s death but we knew Brady was such a sweet and caring kid and what better way than to honor his legacy than allow him to live on in other people” Kevin Lee said.

Lee’s parents say he was the first kid to lose their life at Lucy Beckham High School since the school opened.

“I think it’s a beautiful tribute,” Kristen Lee said. ” What makes it more so is that the folks who did it, including one of his childhood friends, really took the lead on this.”

Lee’s childhood friend, Jack Lamonica, who was also involved in the tribute process, says the tree will also serve as a learning tool for classes at the school.

“I have been in contact with local science classes here and the special needs programs. This is also going to be a really good opportunity for students here to learn. I know they are going to maintain its health, learn about trees and just kind of learn through it. It’s more than just a tribute; it’s also a place where students can learn while also reflecting on who Brady was,” Lamonica says.

“Because of Brady’s gifts, two people received the gift of sight, and many more lives were enhanced through his gift of tissue donation,” the nonprofit said in a statement ahead of Thursday’s ceremony.

April is National Donate Life Month, a time when groups like Sharing Hope SC raise awareness about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

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