Family of deceased Mustang teen donates defibrillation units to local gyms

Family remembers Mustang teen who died on a mission to save others.

Zach Doran, 18, had a heart attack at an Edmond gym in March and died days later.

Today, his family uses his passing as a passion to make a difference for other families and fighters around Oklahoma City.

His family said Doran was a talented multi-sport athlete and in better shape than anyone they knew.

They believe he could have been here today if there had been a life-saving device, an automated external defibrillator, nearby during his heart attack.

At an Oklahoma City gym Sunday, there was grief for the loss of someone special but also a box symbolizing the love a parent will always have.

“We're going to try to eliminate one excuse at a time,” said his father Jason Doran.

Jason and Tami Doran share the story of their son Zach.

In March, he had a heart attack at a mixed martial arts gym in Edmond.

It's painful for a mom and dad to wonder what could have been different. Their answer is now on the wall.

“If Zach could physically save someone's life or spiritually, he would do it again…because that's just the soul he had,” Jason said.

This sense of loss leaves space for family and friends who strive to make a difference.

Zach's family said they also plan to work with state lawmakers to push for a bill requiring life-saving devices in smaller private gyms.

His parents said they will continue to help gyms afford to add these machines.

Related:

1. Mustang high school student dies after collapse at Edmond gymnasium
2. 'God is in Control': MMA Fighters Give Mustang Teen a 'Fighting Chance' After Heart Attack

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Original story below…

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The legacy of a teenage Mustang who died in March lives on.

Zach Doran had a heart attack while working out at an Edmond gym nearly 3 months ago.

Now, in his honor, his family is donating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to local martial arts gyms.

Nearly $20,000 has been raised since Zach's death, all to purchase 14 AEDs.

On Sunday, his family donated their fourth AED to an Oklahoma City gym that caters to first responders.

Zach's family and friends spoke about their memories of him and his athletic journey.

He was a senior at Mustang High School and was due to graduate less than two weeks ago.

After his heart attack, he spent several days in an induced coma at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, where he died later in March.

Those who knew him say this donation is a way to help others and keep Zach's name and memory alive in the sports he loved.

His father, Jason, says he is grateful to everyone who donated in his son's honor.

“It's amazing how much we talk to people about everything they don't know about AEDs, how they work or what they are, because that was one of the first things when we got the phone call from Zach, have a little history in the fire department,” Jason Doran said.

The family also plans to work with regulators on a bill idea that would equip small, private gyms with AEDs.