Dad watches toddler son's organs fly after NJ pool drowning

❤️ A 3-year-old Gloucester County boy's organs will help save the lives of three children.

➡️ Elijah Stephen died days after drowning in his family's backyard pool.

⭐ Community donations are helping support Eli's parents and his two siblings.

WASHINGTON (Gloucester) — A heartbroken Gloucester County family is finding solace in the fact that their son's tragic death will save three other children.

Elijah Stephen was declared dead at 12:14 a.m. on July 3, 2026, according to his father Michael Stephen. Eli was 3 years old.

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It came six days after he drowned in the backyard pool at his family's Washington Township home. The blonde boy's lips were blue and he had no pulse when his father pulled him from the pool. He did compressions as his wife, Sandi, called 911.

"The images will forever be burned into my mind. I wasn't fast enough. I failed," Michael Stephen said.

First responders were there within minutes, and Eli's pulse later returned at the hospital. But even the doctors at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia could not bring Eli back to consciousness. The swelling in his brain was too severe. His parents spent the next few days preparing to say goodbye.

Eli's organ donation will give three children a second chance

Now, Eli's organs will save three other children. His heart has already been transplanted over the Fourth of July weekend. Eli's liver will save another child, and his kidneys and pancreas will help a third, according to his dad, who said he could find some closure in knowing other dads wouldn't feel his pain.

"Eventually those children will get their Independence. Independence from hospitals, cords, machines and medicines. Next year, they will get to truly enjoy Independence Day," Michael Stephen said.

Neighbors rally around the Stephen family

A GoFundMe to support the Stephens family had raised more than $68,000 as of Monday evening. According to the fundraiser created by Eli's aunt, Brittnie Hutchinson, the funds will give them access to therapy and specialized assistance for Eli's twin sister, Ella, and his older brother Mickey, who has autism.

They also received support from their neighbors in Sicklerville. All the proceeds from this year's lemonade stand hosted by Jessica Procopio were given to support the Stephens family.

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