Worked part-time to fund studies, university athlete, Kerala teen saves four lives even in death

Angamaly: If fate stole away a family’s dearest dreams, 19-year-old Jaslia Johnson ensured that, even in her passing, she lit the path of life for four others.

Balancing her studies with sporting excellence, Jaslia worked part-time to support her education. She was employed at a pizza outlet in Angamaly and stayed at her college hostel owing to her work commitments. It was while returning from work, as she did every day, that tragedy struck. A speeding car hit her from behind as she was walking along the road, flinging her nearly 50 metres by the force of the impact.

Jaslia was not only diligent in her academics but also a standout sportsperson. She won several medals at the university level and was a member of her college yoga, tug of war and kho-kho teams. Her consistent performance earned her a place in the Mahatma Gandhi University yoga team. When her college secured second place in yoga at the university level, Jaslia played a pivotal role. Her skill and determination were equally instrumental in helping the college finish runners-up in kho-kho.

The accident occurred around 7.30 pm on Saturday on the national highway near Telk Junction in Angamaly, in front of Lakshmi Bhavan Hotel. She was first admitted to Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly, and later shifted to Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, with severe head injuries. Despite intensive treatment, she passed away on Tuesday morning. Jaslia was a second-year BCom student at Morning Star College, Angamaly.

After doctors confirmed brain death, her parents made the courageous decision to donate her organs. Her liver was transplanted to a patient undergoing treatment at Rajagiri Hospital, a kidney was sent to Kottayam Medical College, and her corneas were handed over to the Angamaly Eye Bank Association of Kerala — a final act of generosity that transformed unbearable loss into renewed hope.