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MMA fighter donates organs of toddler son killed by suspected drunken driver

By Matt Naham and Rare.us
By Matt Naham and Rare.us
MMA fighter Marcus Kowal has announced that his 15-month-old son, Liam, was taken off of life support after the child was reportedly hit and critically injured by a drunken driver as his 15-year-old aunt was wheeling his stroller in a crosswalk.

HAWTHORNE, Calif. — >> Watch the news report here

"About an hour ago, our baby was declared brain dead," the grieving father wrote Sunday. "He tried to fight so hard. He even died at one point but they brought him back. He's a little fighter. Our hearts are broken and there's a void in my soul but we will get through this … RIP Liam Mikael Kowal."

>> Click here to see the Facebook post

I want to thank everyone who has been there for us, in all forms and shapes. Thoughts, prayers, in person - whatever. We...

Posted by Marcus Kowal on Sunday, September 4, 2016

The fatal incident occurred Saturday afternoon in Hawthorne, California.

>> See an Instagram post about Liam here

View this post on Instagram

The support we have received from the Martial Arts world is unreal. From #BJJ to #KravMaga to MMA. Tears are running down my cheeks as I look at this picture of my little boy and read the message from @bashboxing and @cxf_mma #Repost @bashboxing with @repostapp ・・・ Our event #Sept10th will be dedicated entirely to the memory of Liam Kowal. If you have been to one of our fights chances are you know Marcus Kowal. To know the man, is to love the man. As the owner of @systemstrainingcenter and @systemstcencino Marcus is a huge part of our family. Fewer men posses a better attitude or general love of life than Mac. Today we received the worst news imaginable. His 15 month old son, Liam, was tragically killed when he was hit by a drunk driver yesterday afternoon. While in his stroller, Liam and his Aunt were in the crosswalk when an SUV barreled through them before fleeing the scene. Liam bravely, and valiantly fought for his life, but ended up succumbing to his injuries. At this time, all we can do is support Marcus, his wife Mishel and Liam's Aunt who was also injured in the accident. In order to do so, we will be donating a portion of every ticket sold to a fund in Liam's memory, that will be set aside for the family....We will also be holding a silent auction of some very high quality signed boxing and #MMA merchandise with the proceeds also being collected for the family. Please continue to pray for Marcus, Mishel and their family.....CXF4 Crossroads is now CXF "For Liam" #prayersforliamkowal #CXFForLiam #weareone @mrlightsout21 @bashboxing @lightsout_promotion @theclinchreport @custom_t_shirt_printing

A post shared by Marcus Kowal (@mackowal) on

According to the New York Daily News, Liam and his aunt were found in the street near a crosswalk after being hit by 72-year-old driver Donna Marie Higgins, Hawthorne police said.

The child was "pulseless and not breathing," while the teen suffered a leg injury, police said.

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Police said Higgins attempted to leave the scene, but witnesses followed her and kept her from fleeing.

Police said Higgins was driving under the influence, according to a field sobriety test.

Higgins was arrested and released after posting $100,000 bail. She faces charges of hit-and-run and drunken driving, both felonies.

In later updates, Kowal shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign and revealed that his son's organs would be donated.

This isn't easy to write but Liam is going to donate his organs, so that his little heart can make another child live...

Posted by Marcus Kowal on Monday, September 5, 2016

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