Keyan Stricker was known for his big heart. Everyone in Mellen, Wisconsin, could tell you that, especially his mother, Tracey. That love extended to his family, his daughter, and his community. “He was the type of person who would do anything to help anybody with what they needed,” Tracey said. “He had a huge heart.”
Keyan’s innate empathy led his actions, like when one of his friends learned their child had cancer. Without hesitation, Keyan offered emotional support. “Keyan would just cry when he knew somebody was hurting,” Tracey recalled. “His heart would just hurt.”
For Keyan, family came first. Above all, Keyan cherished every moment he spent with his daughter, Lydia. “He made the most of their time together,” Tracey said. “They’d go rock hunting, hike trails, anything outdoors. He just loved being with her.”
In many ways, Keyan carried forward the lessons from his dad, who passed away in 2019. The two spent countless hours together fishing and hunting. It was his dad who taught Keyan many of the skills and values he carried throughout his life.
Keyan was also a proud mama’s boy. Sure, their relationship experienced some rough patches early on, but the truth remained—he and Tracey shared a strong bond. “[When Keyan was growing up] we butted heads,” she said. “For us to become close—it meant a lot. He was my best friend.”
They talked every day and took walks after dinner with Keyan’s husky Frankie. Keyan would often call Tracey simply to say that he loved her. Settling in his late 20s, Keyan seemed to find his groove. He held a steady job as a cook at the local gas station and was on track to become manager. He had his dog Frankie by his side, a solid circle of friends, and exciting plans for the future, including welcoming a baby boy with his girlfriend. Then, everything changed.
Keyan’s interest in motocross began in his childhood, when his dad built a dirt bike track on their property. He and his brother enjoyed countless hours racing those tracks. “He just loved the dirt bikes, the snowmobiles, all that stuff,” Tracey said. So, it wasn’t a surprise to Tracey that Keyan developed a passion for motocross. Before that summer, Keyan was more of a casual biker. He’d ride around town or on the tracks with friends, nothing too serious. That is, until he joined his first official motocross race in June 2024. Unfortunately, it would also be Keyan’s last.
Without warning, Keyan lost control of his bike and rammed a tree. He died shortly after the accident. “By the time I got there, he had already passed away,” Tracey said. “I did not want him to do that race that day, and I told him that. He wanted me to be there, but I was out of town. I feel guilty for that.” And while Keyan’s sudden passing shocked the community, Tracey took comfort in knowing that his last words were, “Please tell my family, I love them very much.”
Keyan’s death meant his daughter lost a father, and his unborn son would never know him. Tracey lost a son, too. Death creates a ripple effect of grief, yet even in tragedy, there’s a glimmer of hope. Because Keyan was a donor.
When the organ procurement officer at the hospital talked to Tracey about donation, she didn’t need time to think. Tracey knew exactly what Keyan would’ve wanted. “It wasn’t a hard decision for me to make,” Tracey said. “As soon as they asked, I said yes.”
Keyan’s donations included part of his heart, along with skin, bone, and other tissue, all of which made a difference to so many. He even helped restore sight through a cornea transplant. “I got one letter about a young man, actually Keyan’s age,” Tracey said. “He could see the beautiful things in life [because of the cornea transplant]. I think about him often, and I’m glad Keyan could help him.”
When reflecting on Keyan’s decision to be a donor, she said, “Why wouldn’t you want to save somebody else’s life or help somebody see again?”
Though Keyan is gone, Tracey holds onto her precious memories, from the everyday moments like casual after-dinner walks to their unforgettable trip to the Minnesota Vikings’ stadium together. Each memory is a gift, just like Keyan.
Every 10 minutes, someone is added to the organ transplant waiting list.
Approximately 113,000 men, women, and children are waiting for life-saving organ transplants. One organ donor has the power to save up to eight lives and change the outcomes of someone’s world forever by giving them a second chance. Additionally, tissue donation can save and improve the lives of up to 75 people with their gifts. You can make a huge impact by registering as an organ and tissue donor.
Learn more about organ and tissue donation, or register as a donor at https://donatelifewisconsin.org.