NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach announced the renaming of a scholarship in honor of Ethan Wilson, a firefighter who passed away earlier this year.
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Wilson, a New Smyrna Beach resident who worked as an Ormond Beach firefighter and paramedic, was found unresponsive in the water while surfing in New Smyrna in February.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the 33-year-old firefighter was treated at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach but passed away days later.
Read: Volusia County firefighter hurt during surfing accident dies from injuries, sheriff says
Wilson gave others a second chance to live by donating his organs.
The scholarship given out by the hospital’s medical staff will now be called the Ethan Wilson Memorial Scholarship to pay tribute to his legacy of service.
“Our goal is to honor a hero and shine a bright light on his service to the community,” said Dr. Peter Riga, medical director of the emergency department at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, who spearheaded the effort to rename the scholarship. “We want to inspire these students, who are the caregivers of tomorrow, by highlighting Ethan’s example.
The time of the year is significant because April is National Donate Life Month and Wilson’s birthday month.
Wilson left behind his wife, Ashley Wilson, and a young son.
His family attended the scholarship ceremony with some of his firefighting colleagues and members of his AdventHealth care team.
“Our whole family is honored and so glad that Ethan’s legacy lives on,” said Ashley Wilson. “Ethan was a servant-leader, and we are proud and grateful to have him recognized this year and every year going forward.”
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This year’s scholarship recipients are five local high school seniors who want to pursue a career in the medical field.
Each student will get $1,000 per year for each year of college.
“It means the world to me to be able to serve like Ethan did,” said Alyssa Capel, one of the recipients. “I just hope to carry on his legacy of service and lift others up like he did.”
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