Deakon Shald-Wisotzkey, born December 30, 2007, passed away on July 6, 2026, following injuries from a car accident two weeks earlier.
His father, Travis Wisotzkey, shared the news in an emotional Facebook post, explaining that his son had been scheduled for an honor walk but took a turn overnight and was taken into surgery around 2 a.m. to donate his organs.
Travis described being able to say goodbye to his son and hold his hand before the procedure, after insisting to hospital staff that he be allowed to be present.
He apologized to Deakon’s friends and the young people in his life who did not get the chance to say their own goodbyes, saying he had fought to make that possible for as many as he could. He also thanked the nurses, surgical team, and a hospital social worker who supported the family throughout the ordeal.
In a follow-up post, Travis called his son the kindest person in the family, describing him as having a heart of pure gold.
He said the two weeks since the accident had been among the hardest and most moving of his life, while expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends and community members.
A Shared Passion for the Paranormal
Travis and Deakon were known for spending time together exploring paranormal investigation sites, a hobby they shared for years. Sleeper Mortuary, one of the locations they had visited together, posted a tribute following news of Deakon’s death, reflecting on footage of father and son investigating together.
The post highlighted their laughter and closeness during the visit, noting that Deakon’s story did not end with the accident, since his decision to become an organ donor allowed his compassion to carry forward through others. The mortuary announced plans to plant a memorial tree in Deakon’s honor at Malvern Manor as a lasting place for family and friends to gather.
Messages of condolence poured in from friends and community members, many of whom shared their own experiences of losing loved ones and offered support to the Wisotzkey family. Several commenters praised Deakon’s decision, and that of his family, to allow his organs to be donated, calling it a meaningful legacy for someone so young.
A celebration of life for Deakon is being planned, with details to be shared by the family once arrangements are finalized. For now, Travis has asked for time to rest and to lay his son to rest in peace.
