The organs of 24-year-old Singaporean Muay Thai fighter Damian Ong, who died after falling unconscious following a charity bout, have been donated to four patients in need of transplants.
Ong’s liver and two kidneys were donated after his death, giving four recipients what was described as a second chance at life. The information was shared by an online memorial community on Sept. 30, citing a member of Ong’s inner circle who asked not to be identified.
Among the recipients was a 68-year-old married woman with a child who had reportedly been waiting for more than two years for a liver transplant. Ong’s liver was donated to her, according to the information shared.
His kidneys were also given to two patients who had spent years undergoing dialysis.
One kidney went to a 40-year-old married man who had been on dialysis for more than eight years. The other was donated to a 38-year-old woman who had undergone dialysis for nine years.
Messages from transplant coordinators were also included in the tribute, expressing gratitude for Ong’s decision to become an organ donor and highlighting the impact of the donation on the recipients and their families. One message said the donations allowed recipients to be freed from the routine of dialysis and have more time with their loved ones.
Ong died after taking part in the AMC 13 — Fight for Hope tournament at the National Stadium on Sept. 12.
According to police, he was taken unconscious to hospital after participating in the tournament. He subsequently died, with preliminary investigations finding no indication of foul play. Police investigations are continuing.
The Singapore Muaythai Association previously confirmed that a medical emergency occurred during the tournament. Medical assistance was provided at the venue before the participant was taken to hospital.
The association also rejected claims circulating online that Ong had been knocked out during the bout. It said both fighters were present for the announcement of the result and left the ring without assistance, with the medical emergency occurring later.
Ong’s death has since drawn tributes from members of Singapore’s Muay Thai community. His gym, Inspire Fitness Asia, described him as a disciplined fighter and paid tribute to his character, courage and dedication.
The gym said it was a privilege to have stood in his corner and remembered him as a member of its family. The Muay Thai community also gathered to pay their respects during his wake.
His organ donation has added another dimension to the tributes surrounding his death, with the donations potentially giving four patients more time with their families after years of illness and treatment.
Organ transplantation remains an important but limited resource in Singapore. The Ministry of Health said that 973 organ transplants were performed between 2021 and 2025, including 664 involving deceased donors and 309 involving living donors. Despite Singapore’s organ donation framework, the number of patients needing organs continues to exceed the number of suitable donors.
Under Singapore’s Human Organ Transplant Act, eligible citizens and permanent residents are included in an organ donation framework unless they have opted out. Separate provisions also allow individuals aged 18 and above to pledge organs, tissues or their whole body for transplantation, therapy, education or research.
For the four patients who received Ong’s organs, the donations represent a significant change after years of medical treatment. His liver and kidneys have given them an opportunity to spend more time with their families while carrying forward the legacy of a young athlete whose life ended unexpectedly.
Meanwhile, investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ong’s death remain ongoing. Authorities have not indicated any suspicion of foul play.
