The surrogate
It begins with a woman who yearns for a baby and another who is willing and able to give her one. You can imagine the motives of the prospective parents. But what about the woman willing to carry a baby, give birth and then walk away?
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PLANT CITY — Charles T. Pearson drove bulldozers. He hunted and fished, and had a girlfriend who drove a motorcycle.
When his mother worried about him riding it, the free-spirited 28-year-old answered in his usual upbeat tone: "I'm an organ donor. It's okay."
His mother remembered his words Saturday morning, when she got the phone call about the hit-and-run accident.
Mr. Pearson had been driving, his girlfriend sitting beside him, when a car hit the back of his 1988 Chevy station wagon just after 2 a.m., causing him to lose control.
The couple, not wearing seat belts, were ejected onto U.S. 92.
The driver who hit them ran away, leaving the car behind.
Mr. Pearson died at Tampa General Hospital nine hours later. His 21-year-old girlfriend, Lisa Vaught, survived, with stitches and a fractured back.
They had gone to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings that night, she said. They were driving home because he had to work the next morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol spent that morning searching for the other driver who deserted the 1995 Volkswagen four-door vehicle.
On Sunday, family members said they'd been told a male teenager was tracked down, but the Florida Highway Patrol had not confirmed an arrest.
"I'm mad at the person who did this for being so irresponsible and fleeing the scene," Vaught said. "He destroyed so many people's lives, and took one of the most amazing people I've ever met."
Mr. Pearson, who graduated from Plant City High School, served in the U.S. Army and then had a career in construction, "would do anything for anyone," his sister April Bass said.
His final contribution, to three different recipients:
His liver, his kidneys and his heart.
Alexandra Zayas can be reached at azayas@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3354.
[Last modified: Sep 15, 2008 10:18 AM]
Comments on this article
by sandra
Sep 15, 2008 10:18 AM
he was a blessing to family and friendsand he will be missed. we love you charlie
by Stephanie
Sep 10, 2008 9:16 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Charles.
by Dave
Sep 8, 2008 9:59 AM
And when they find the guy that did it, they'll slap his wrists. There's gotta be stronger penalties for these hit and runs. Remember this when you vote for judges.
by Peewee
Sep 8, 2008 9:56 AM
RIP Charles. Such a tragic situation. I hope they get this person that did this to you. Get well soon Lisa. My thoughts and prayers are with both of your families
by Charlie
Sep 8, 2008 9:50 AM
Someone will be getting a heart full of goodness. Let's hope they appreciate the gift of life they are receiving.
by Agape
Sep 8, 2008 9:46 AM
My deepest sympathies to his family. Be proud that he has given life to three people. He was a special person. May his memory be eternal.
by Sandy
Sep 8, 2008 9:46 AM
It is good to know that he has been able to help people through organ donation, and it doesn't always save a life, but you can't help but think how wearing a seatbelt might have changed things...
by kathleen
Sep 8, 2008 9:46 AM
Buckle up, folks. Glad to hear he was an organ donor and sad to hear of his death. Seatbelts save lives, when will we all remember this simple fact and buckle up before even starting our cars. Sad.
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