Kim Pham was brutally beaten outside a Santa Ana nightclub and ultimately died of her injuries, but her death brought a new chance for life to five people who never met the 23-year-old.
Pham was an organ donor and according to her wishes the young woman was kept on life-support after being declared brain-dead “to ensure the viability of her organs for transplantation,” according to a statement from the non-profit organ recovery group One Legacy.
“Kim Pham “saved five lives through the donation of her heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and liver to patients on the national organ transplant waiting list,” One Legacy said.
According to the group, Pham also donated tissues including “skin used for burn dressings, bone to repair fractures and prevent amputations, and bone marrow for orthopedic use.”
One Legacy issued the following statement Friday from Pham’s family.
‘We are so blessed to have had Kim in our family because she was truly a one-of-a-kind soul. She always put others’ needs before herself and never thought badly of anyone. She kept love in the center of her life and preached kindness and respect for others. The overwhelming love and support Kim has had over the past week is a testimony of her character and the influence she had over her friends and family. We will always remember her as a sweet, vibrant, and wise daughter, sister, and friend. She is our little angel and God’s gift to all of us. Words cannot describe the pain and devastation we feel from being separated from Kim so soon, but we understand God has bigger plans for her and will continue to watch over her.
‘The little gestures and silly things she did every day are what we all miss the most about her. It’s a loss to the world that they will never have the chance to know her the way we did. We will always and forever hold her dearly in our hearts. We ask for the privacy of our friends and family during this difficult time. Please continue to keep Kim in your thoughts and prayers and help our family find closure and justice following this horrendous crime.’”
Two people were arrested and a third was being sought Friday in the fatal attack on Pham which occurred on Jan. 18 outside the The Crosby.
Anyone with information on the assault was asked to call the Santa Ana Police Department at 714-245-839. You can also call OC Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.