Lexington teen’s legacy honored through TN Dept. of Safety campaign

LEXINGTON, Tenn. — Honoring Local Heroes campaign pays tribute to organ donors and transplant recipients at the Tennessee Driver Services Center.

In honor of the late Lexington high school student, Tyler Spann, he becomes the new face on posters made in his memory at the Tennessee Department of Safety Driver License Service Station for being an organ donor and saving lives.

“He’s very well liked in the community. A lot of friends. He brought joy to our life. He was a great athlete, he just meant the world to us and it was a tragic day– the day that we lost him,” said Kimmy Spann, Tyler’s father.

Spann passed away from the result of a drowning during a family trip to Panama City Beach, Florida in 2018. His family finds meaning in their decision to say yes to donation.

“We got the call from donate life like within fifteen minutes. We knew that was God saying ‘No, you’re right, you were right. There is more that he can do for this world’,” said Kimmy.

His mother says “Tyler would have wanted to be a donor to help someone.”

One transplant recipient was also honored Monday and says she’s fortunate that a donation saved her life.

“Just to show my representation of donate life, Midsouth transplant, and Methodist because without them I don’t know what my life will be like,” said Mimi Smith, transplant recipient.

Spann’s father appreciates the overwhelming generosity for their community, and reminds us to beware of potential rip currents. Commonly referred to as rip tides which are narrow channeled water currents flowing away from the shore.

“We’re happy for the support that the Lexington community has given us in our tragic loss of Tyler. And just to be aware of water safety and how dangerous water can be. Even open water or pools always keep an eye on your children,” said Angela Spann, Tyler’s mother.

Driver service examiners are on the front lines of registering donors in Tennessee. Nearly all Tennesseans who are registered organ and tissue donors do so while applying for or renewing their driver’s license.

Over the next few months, Honoring Local Heroes tribute plaques will be installed at driver services centers across Tennessee.

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