Family Donates Organs After Morris Man Dies of Heroin Overdose

MORRIS, IL — A 40-year-old Morris man died Friday of an apparent heroin overdose.

Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan said family members found Richard Olson, 40, unresponsive on the bathroom floor. The family called 911 and Olson was transported to Morris ER where he would later be placed on a ventilator, according to Callahan.

Olson was later declared brain dead.

“The fact that Mr. Olson was kept on a ventilator, his organs are able to be transplanted and help many other lives,” Callahan said.

The family told the coroner it was their son’s wishes to be an organ donor should anything happen to him.

“The family stated they and their son knew he had this horrible addiction to heroin and someday it could be fatal,” Callahan said. “The family stated their son was a very loving and caring man, always wanting to help others. By donating his organs, he is now able to benefit many other people waiting for a transplant.”

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