“Grief is the price we pay for love. Every mother dreads that cost.”  – Sarah Sands, journalist

It is always tragic when you lose someone you love.

But that tragedy is amplified by millions when it’s a young child, whose life had barely begun.

For the family of a six-year-old who was killed in a horrible hunting accident, they have one thing they are holding on to – he will live on in others.

Avery Matthew Davis was on a group hunting trip, which also included his father, Jeremy Davis, when he was shot in the head. Avery had been in an elevated stand, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said, when he “appears to have been struck by a stray shotgun pellet from a shooter on the ground.”

The family of Avery Matthew Davis, a 6-year-old boy who was killed in a hunting accident, has donated his organs after his death. Photo Courtesy Jeremy and Cindy Davis

The investigation into the shooting is still in process, however the department issued a statement saying that the tragedy was just an accident, and that “investigators are awaiting more information from the coroner’s report.”

Jeremy told reporters that his son loved being outdoors and hunting. He said this was a “freak accident” and that he and his family “continue to support hunting and outdoor activities.”

“We ask that everyone please focus on the positive outcome of our tragic loss and we ask that none of the families involved, or the sport of hunting, be depicted in a negative way, as this would be very disrespectful to our son, who had a true love of the outdoors and hunting,” he said.

On social media, Jeremy said that Avery was a “live wire” and well-loved.

“Everyone that knew this boy of mine loved him,” he wrote. “He was a live wire that was known all across the country for his silly ways and love of the outdoors.”

He definitely got his money worth out of his 6 short years on earth.”

“We would like to focus on the impact our Avery has had on the nation with his caring and helping nature. Avery has helped save five others by donating four of his organs,” Jeremy said.

At the hospital, Avery  was taken on the Honor Walk, where dozens of family and friends, his teachers, and doctors and nurses lined the hallway as the young boy was wheeled down to the surgery room for his donation.

Over 100 hospital employees line halls to honor late nurse who became an organ donor. Photo Courtesy Jeremy and Cindy Davis

Avery’s kidneys, liver, heart and intestines were donated to five other people, according to We Are Sharing Hope SC, a nonprofit and federally designated Organ Procurement Organization.

Billie Walling, Avery’s former reading and writing teacher, was at the honor walk and says he was always kind to anyone he met so this donation just speaks to who he was.

I think Avery is a hero. He has given a gift to so many families he will be remembered for being a hero,” Walling said.

Jeremy has hopes that this tragedy might help make hunting “a little bit safer for the future” after his son’s death.

The grieving father made sure to express his gratitude for the love and care that had poured in for the family.

“I want to thank our community and the nation for standing behind all of us in our tragedy. Without our faith in God and the support of everyone, this would be much harder than it is.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of my son and rest assured he will never be forgotten,” Jeremy added.

Watch below for a look at this amazing young man.

Sources: Good Morning America | People