AUSTIN, Texas — Always a seeker, always curious and always wanting deep connections: that's how Joan Winter remembers her son, William Dunham.
"He cared deeply and somehow got it, got that big wisdom as a young guy, that we're passing through and we're here for a short time on this earth," Winter said.
Dunham owned a company that made original leather goods. But his family said it was his spirit of generosity that best defined him.
"He did not care about things and would give away if somebody said they loved his shirt, loved his necklace, whatever – he would give it to them," Winter said.
In March, Dunham crossed the intersection of East Seventh and Red River streets with his friend, Cody Shelton, when a car hit both of them, killing Shelton at the scene. Dunham suffered critical injuries and was on life support before ultimately dying on April 15.
Police arrested Tyrone Thompson in connection to the hit-and-run. He is now facing murder charges.
"What we've learned recently is that he, at the last minute, was able to push somebody out of the way from being hit," Winter said. "And that was a heroic kind of gesture at the end."
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For five weeks, Dunham was on life support. His death devastated his childhood friend, Paul VanMiddlesworth.
"It's hard to do this without being too grim because, truly, the world is just a worse place without him," VanMiddlesworth said.
Still, Dunham's family discovered that he could still give even after death, making the decision to donate four of his organs.
"We cannot wait to meet this person who has his heart," Winter said. "Lucky you! You've got a giving heart."
It is a heart that Winter desperately misses, but that will now live on, thanks to the gift of her son.
"What I miss is my bright boy sitting next to me, entertaining me with stories of life and stories of his wild imagination. It's a great spirit and beautiful mind and dear heart," Winter said.
Next May, Winter said she hopes to meet the recipients of her son's organs at the Tree of Life ceremony.