MUSTANG, Okla.– The life of a Mustang teenager is being celebrated by those he loved and whose lives he touched forever.
Chase Ashley was a star athlete at Mustang High School and played just one year of baseball at Rose State College before being diagnosed with a rare disease.
His family says just days after being diagnosed, Chase died.
Jerry Ashley said,”It was real rough when he died.He was the center of my life; I was proud of him. He was a son you didn’t have to worry about when he was out on his own because you could always trust he was going to do the right thing.”
Before he became sick, he made the decision to become an organ donor.
That decision when he was just 16-years-old changed the lives of four people.
Saturday, those who received the gift of life from Chase met with his family for the first time.
Family and friends watched a tribute video of his life before visiting the baseball field where he spent much of his free time.
On the wall hangs a marble plaque that was dedicated from other students to help future players remember Chase.
While remembering the son she lost, Debbie Ashley was able to hear something she hasn’t heard in years; the steady beat of Chase’s heart.
Brian Deuster, who lives in Missouri, was the one to receive that precious gift.
Ashley said, “I got to listen to Chase’s heart. That was pretty awesome, it was really awesome.”
The family say they were overwhelmed meeting everyone who is now living because of their son.
They say they encourage anyone who is able to become an organ donor.