Community raises funds to support Hartley family after son dies in work accident

Kevin Hartley, 21 of Ashland City, former East Cheatham/Sycamore Middle School and High School student, died Friday, April 28 after an accident at work involving chemicals. A Go Fund Me page had been set up by Chris and Lori Speich to help the family with medical bills and cremation services.

According to the Go Fund me page, Hartley was found unresponsive at work after collapsing and going into cardiac arrest. He was "overcome by chemicals he was using refinishing bathtubs," the site says.

Hartley was placed in critical care at the hospital, but after tests performed Friday showed no brain function, he was pronounced dead.

Hartley was an organ donor, and his mom, Wendy, writes, "I had the honor of escorting my fallen son, who is fulfilling his destiny of becoming a hero and saving many lives, to Centennial Hospital in Nashville. Kevin is an organ donor due in part to his Grandy Doug, who was a kidney recipient and lived a long life with his gifted organ.

Via a post on Chris Speich's Facebook page, Wendy said that as of May 1, Hartley's heart, lungs and kidneys were donated.

"He will also gift his tissue, potentially helping hundreds of people," she writes. "Kevin will be cremated following tissue harvesting."

In a biography read to the organ team and shared with the recipients of his organs, Kevin is described as lighting up the room with his smile. He worked with his dad, uncle and brother and had a strong work ethic, reads the biography. "He jokes that one day he will own the family business and supervise everyone to make sure they are working hard."

"Kevin is a wonderful person and will be missed by all his friends and family," the biography reads. "We are so happy he has the opportunity to continue to bless the lives of so many, as he always has."

To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/kevin-hartley-fund.

Interested in becoming an organ donor?  Tennesseans can register when applying for, renewing or updating a state driver's licence or ID. After saying “yes” to donation at the Department of Safety, individuals can specify their gift by going to DonateLifeTN.org. One can also visit www.donatelifetn.org to register as an organ and or tissue donor.

Amy Nixon, editor of The Ashland City Times, can be reached at anixon@gannett.com or 615-946-7549.