'That's Just The Soul He Had': Lifesaving Devices Donated In Memory Of Mustang Teen

Inside an Oklahoma City Mixed Martial Arts gym, the parents of 18-year-old Zach Doran huddled with a group of family, friends, and supporters to commemorate the fourth installation of an Automated External Defibrillator since their son died on March 13.

Zach was at another MMA gym in Edmond when he experienced a heart attack. He spent several days in an induced coma at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, before he later passed.

His family believes had there been at AED at the gym he was at, there could have been a different outcome.

"It's amazing how, the more we talk to people, how much they don't know about AEDs, or how they work, or what they are," said Zach's father, Jason Doran.

Jason and his wife, Tami, wiped tears as they shared their thanks. More than $17,000 was raised, including a more than 50% match from the Edmond Masonic Lodge and its charitable foundation. Fundraisers were held at various gyms. 

A $2,000 donation was previously made to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Zach's honor. It was organized by a group of his mother's current and former students.

"In 18 years, he did more in 18 years than I've done in 49," Zach's father said.

In total, 14 AED devices will be installed for no cost to gym owners around the metro. His parents plan to visit with state lawmakers to require certain types of gyms to have lifesaving devices at all times.

"If Zach could physically save someone's life, or spiritually save someone's life, he'd do it all again," Jason said. "100%. Because that's just the soul that he had, you know?"

His parents are working toward the goal of eliminating any excuse, or barrier, for having an AED.

Related:

1. Mustang High School Student Dies After Collapse In Edmond Gym
2. 'God's In Ultimate Control': MMA Fighters Give Mustang Teen A 'Fighting Chance' Following Heart Attack

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Original story below...

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The legacy of a Mustang teen who died in March lives on.

Zach Doran had a heart attack while training at an Edmond gym nearly 3 months ago.

Now in his honor, his family is donating automated external defibrillators, AEDs, to local martial arts gyms.

Almost $20,000 has been raised since Zach's death, all to purchase 14 AEDs.

On Sunday, his family donated its fourth AED to an Oklahoma City gym that serves first responders.

Zach's family and friends spoke about their memories of him and his athletic background.

He was a senior at Mustang High School and was set to graduate less than two weeks ago.

After his heart attack, he spent several days in an induced coma at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital where he later died in March.

Those who knew him say the donation is a way to help others and to keep Zach's name and memory part of the sports he loved.

His dad, Jason, says he is thankful to everyone who has donated in his son's honor.

"It's amazing how the more we talk to people about how much they don't know about AEDs or how they work or what they are, because that was one of the first things when we got the phone call on Zach, having a small history in the fire department," Jason Doran said.

The family plans to also work with regulators on a bill idea that would equip smaller, private gyms with AEDs.