Teen declared brain dead taken off life support

Juan Fernandez's organs donated

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The family of Juan Fernandez said the teen, who was declared brain dead after a hit-and-run, was taken off life support early Sunday and his organs were donated, saving up to five lives.

Sunday afternoon, Fernandez's sister, Maritza, told Local 10 News her brother's heart was already en route to Orlando. It's the little bit of comfort the large family has in the midst of such tragedy.

His family said Fernandez coincidentally told them he would like to donate his organs just weeks before the accident.

"He was with his mom watching TV, and he heard something on the news and he said, 'Mom, one day if something happens to me I would want to to that,'" Maritza said.

A car struck Fernandez while he was riding his bike on the sidewalk along Northwest 103rd Street. The 17-year-old was almost home when the car struck him. The driver fled the scene.

Police identified Alan Alvarez as the driver after finding he ditched his car, which was later reported stolen in an alleged effort to cover up the crime. Alvarez's son was caught on camera picking up the suspect, who appears to stumble around.

Alvarez was arrested and given a $300,000 bond, which he had not made as of Sunday evening.

Charges are expected to be upgraded from fleeing the scene of an accident with injury after the teen passed away.

Alvarez has a history of drug use and driving under the influence.

Officials said they are also considering charging his son and mother in connection to the case.

Meanwhile, Fernandez's family is waiting for the body to hold a memorial service sometime next week.

Family members said they want to have a proper burial in his hometown in Honduras.

Anyone interested in assisting the family can donate to an account that has been set up at Bank of America, account No. 229025061517.

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About the Author:

Andrew Perez is a South Florida native who joined the Local 10 News team in May 2014.