TAYLAH’S HEART BEATS ON
FAMILY, FRIENDS CRUSHED BY HER LOSS
“EVEN in death she still amazes us all.” Her heartbroken family has revealed how Taylah Pearson’s decision to become an organ donor has saved the lives of four people, including a precious baby.
The young woman who passed away after a tragic quad bike accident was treasured by her family and beloved by her community. In the early hours of Sunday morning her family was faced with the terrible reality of her life support being switched off.
Taylah was transported to Ayr Hospital on Thursday night after suffering serious head injuries, before being flown to Townsville University Hospital where she remained in a critical condition until her death.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Taylah’s sister Brytni Pearson said the family decided to donate Taylah’s organs and then discovered she was a registered donor.
“Even in death she still amazes us all,” she said.
“Some of her organs were too damaged but we are happy to say that Taylah has saved a few lives. One has her beautiful heart and three have her liver, one being a baby.”
Known as ‘Tay Tay’ to her family, they said she was bright and bubbly and wanted her to be remembered for her smile that lit up a room.
Daughter to Bruna and Greg Pearson and sister to Emily Christie, Brytni Pearson and Zallman Saxby, her loss has left a gaping hole in their hearts.
Nothing meant more to Taylah than her family who asked the Townsville Bulletin to publish a photo with everyone including her nieces and nephews (below).
Even amid their grief and despair, Taylah’s family wanted to make sure her medical providers knew of the family’s gratitude for providing them with “the gift of time”.
“We would like to thank the amazing and loving staff at the Ayr Hospital and ICU Townsville University Hospital,” they said.
“To the men who were with Taylah at the scene – we will be forever grateful for the care you gave to Taylah.
“You gave us the precious gift of time we got to spend with her … this will never be forgotten.”
Taylah’s death has had a huge impact on the tight-knit Burdekin community with hundreds of people flocking to Facebook to share their grief and condolences to the family.
Taylah was a keen soccer player throughout her childhood, playing for her local junior club where she left an impact on everyone.
Burdekin Football Juniors Inc. life member Alan Chatfield said he remembered Taylah from her early years of playing and she would be missed by everyone who knew her.
“She was a good team player and very likeable on and off the field,” he said.
Taylah carried her passion for sport into adulthood and took up a position playing soccer in the local women’s competition.
Many of Taylah’s friends changed their Facebook profile pictures to reflect happier moments forever caught in time.
This included her soccer teammate Naomi Mayor who shared her devastation. “Fly high beautiful angel,” the post read.
“I’m gonna miss your smile and laugh – you were a really nice and kind-hearted person.”
Sian Reardon said soccer would never be the same without Taylah as a teammate.
“I will always remember your encouragement, friendship and spark. You were an admirable role model,” Ms Reardon posted.
Taylah was regarded by her colleagues as an energetic and smart woman full of potential.
She was in her final year of trade training at Wilmar Sugar where she’d begun carving out a career in the industry as an apprentice electrician.
She started her apprenticeship at Kalamia Mill in 2017 and moved to Invicta Mill the following year.
The ambitious apprentice also worked on the Pioneer Mill fire recovery project last year.
Wilmar Sugar general manager operations Mike Mcleod extended his deepest condolences on behalf of the company, which is the biggest employer in the Burdekin region.
“We have offered counselling services to her colleagues and extend our sincere condolences to Taylah’s family,” Mr Mcleod said.
“Taylah was a skilled and valued member of the electrical team. She was well liked and will be greatly missed.”
TO THE MEN WHO WERE WITH TAYLAH AT THE SCENE – WE WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THE CARE YOU GAVE TO TAYLAH.