‘Gave the ultimate gift today:’ Orange County sheriff’s deputy dies, donates organs

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orange County deputy hospitalized after suffering a serious brain injury has died, but not before donating his organs, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

A social media post by the law enforcement agency on Sunday read in part, “Deputy Michael Milmerstadt gave the ultimate gift today – one that could save the lives of eight people. The organ donation was completed this morning & now we begin the process of laying him to rest.”

Deputy Milmerstadt was at a gym when he developed a severe headache. The sheriff’s office said the headache turned out to be a brain injury.

Last week, the sheriff’s office announced that Deputy Milmerstadt’s family said goodbye to him as he remained on life support. The family said it was their wish that he provide a chance at life to others through organ donation.

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Colleagues set up a GoFundMe for the family that has raised over $180,000 as of Sunday evening.

“Mike is an amazing, father, husband, son, friend and deputy. Nothing made him happier than being with his wife Melanie and their boys,” the page read.

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