Ayona Mason was declared brain dead on 14 January, following which her family consented to organ donation.
Published Jan 15, 2026 | 4:07 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 15, 2026 | 4:07 PM
Ayona Monson. (Supplied)
Synopsis: One of Ayona’s kidneys was transported from Kannur to the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, by a commercial flight— the first time in Kerala that an organ has been flown between districts using a passenger aircraft.
In a gesture of profound humanity amid personal tragedy, the organs of 17-year-old Ayona Monson have given a new lease of life to five patients across Kerala.
Ayona, a Plus Two student of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Payyavoor, who died, on Thursday, 15 January, became the donor in a landmark organ transplantation.
The incident took place on Monday, when Ayona jumped from the multi-storey school building and sustained serious head injuries. The exact circumstances behind the incident are yet to be known.
One of Ayona’s kidneys was transported from Kannur to the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, by a commercial flight— the first time in Kerala that an organ has been flown between districts using a passenger aircraft.
Given the long distance and the need to ensure timely transplantation, authorities decided to airlift the organ.
The kidney was carried on an IndiGo flight, landing at Thiruvananthapuram Airport at 10.42 am, and reached the medical college by 11 am.
Ayon’s other kidney was transplanted at Aster MIMS Hospital, Kozhikode.
Her liver was donated to a patient at Meithra Hospital, Kozhikode, while her two corneas were sent to Thalassery District Hospital, restoring sight to two recipients.
Health Minister Veena George expressed deep gratitude to Ayon’s family for their courageous decision to donate her organs at a time of immense grief.
“Their choice has illuminated the lives of others even as they endure an irreplaceable loss,” the minister said, adding that the government stands with the family in their sorrow.
The transportation of organs was facilitated through a green corridor coordinated by the police, ensuring swift movement. The overall operations were coordinated by K-SOTTO.
Ayona was initially taken to Payyavoor Hospital and later shifted to Aster MIMS Hospital. She had been on ventilator support and underwent surgery after doctors found a lung air leak and a brain haemorrhage.
She was declared brain dead on 14 January, following which her family consented to organ donation.
Ayona is the daughter of K. M. Monson and Anitha Monson, and sister to Martin Monson and Angel Monson.
The body has been kept at the mortuary, and the funeral will be held on Friday, 16 January.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar and Sreelakshmi Soman)
