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Teen killed in horse accident remembered for 'infectious personality'

By Ken Lemon, wsoctv.com
By Ken Lemon, wsoctv.com

GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gastonia teen has died after she was kicked in the head by a horse after being thrown off the animal Saturday.

Fellow students at Stuart Cramer told Channel 9 they are distraught over the loss of Destiny Stafford.

Stafford, 15, was riding her father’s horse at her aunt’s house in Gastonia when the accident happened.

She was airlifted to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte and was listed in critical condition, according to family friend Ashley Cloninger, but hospital officials told Channel 9 Destiny passed away early Monday morning.

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Destiny was initially placed on life support and did not show signs of brain activity. Doctors intended to remove her from life support overnight to see if she could breathe on her own.

On Monday morning, Destiny's mother posted a message on Facebook to share their plan to donate Destiny’s organs to help give life to someone else.

Her mother said it is exactly what her daughter would want.

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Destiny was a rising 10th-grader and the captain of the junior varsity cheerleading team. Her classmates said she had an infectious personality.

"She was just a bundle of joy. I mean, even on the field she was just smiling, cheering her heart out," said classmate Shelby Richardson.

Richardson said everyone at the school knew the girl with the bright smile.

"You didn't have to know her to see how happy she was," Richardson said.

Organizers held a prayer vigil Sunday at Stuart Cramer High School at 7 p.m. The school's principal relayed a message from Destiny's parents, who were by their daughter's side.

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“Destiny needs everyone on their knees right now,” Principal Audrey Devine said.

The cheer squad spoke of her infectious character. They're relying on happy memories to keep their hopes and spirits alive.

"Everybody was saying prayers for a girl that they didn't know," Richardson said.

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Destiny’s family said they are overwhelmed by the prayers and support.

Friends have created the hashtag #DestinyStrong to support Stafford and her family.

Justin Schultz, the chaplain of the football team, said #DestinyStrong became the rally cry at practice.

"Today they broke down by saying, '#DestinyStrong,' and everything they were going to do from this point forward was going to be in honor of Destiny," Schultz said. "The Facebook post said Destiny's mother decided to donate her organs to answer someone else's prayers," Schultz said.

Channel 9 spoke with organizers at LifeShare Of The Carolinas, a nonprofit that facilitates organ donations. They said more than 3,000 people in North Carolina and more than 800 in South Carolina are on waiting lists.

"We have the ability to provide life for people who need transplants.  The problem is, we don't have enough donors," said Debbie Gibbs.

Gibbs said it is a difficult decision, but it can help so many people.

"One person can save the lives of up to eight people and through tissue donation can enhance the lives of as many as 50," Gibbs said.

If you would like to register for organ donation:

  • Go to DMV, register there and put a heart on your drivers' license
  • Visit this website to sign up
  • Call them: 704-512-3303, or toll-free: 800-932-GIVE (4483)

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