GLASGOW, Ky. — The family of a Glasgow child who died earlier this month emphasized the importance of organ donation during a tree-planting ceremony held Wednesday morning at the Glasgow Police Department.

Wyatt Miller, 2, died April 3 at a Nashville hospital after suffering a medical emergency at his home March 13, according to Glasgow Police Chief Guy Howie.

“Knowing Wyatt needed urgent life-saving measures, he was escorted by ambulance to the emergency room,” Howie said. “Law enforcement, emergency management and others blocked every single intersection from his house to the emergency room so he could get there expeditiously.”

Wyatt was “medically complex,” according to Robin Hopkins, his mother. He spent almost 11 months in the NICU at three hospitals, including T.J. Samson Hospital, Centennial Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

He was full of life and “brought joy only a child could bring,” Howie said.

“His smile, his spirit, his rambunctiousness, and his laughter could change anyone’s day,” Hopkins said.

Despite the hardships of the past few weeks, Wyatt’s family has channeled their grief into gratitude, focusing on the impact he made through organ donation and the lives he helped.

On March 13, Wyatt went into cardiac arrest while in the ambulance. Emergency crews were able to revive him.

“He was brought back for a purpose,” Hopkins said.

Eventually, it became clear that Wyatt’s life was nearing its end, and his family was faced with difficult decisions in the midst of their grief. They decided to donate his organs.

“Though we were going through something very hard, it was the easiest decision we could make,” Hopkins said.

Kris Miller, Wyatt’s father, said a 5-month-old, a 4-month-old and a 30-year-old received successful transplants, including a heart, kidneys and liver.

The family urged others to consider organ donation.

“Earlier on, when we did not know what was wrong with Wyatt, we could have very easily been a family on the other end waiting,” Hopkins said.

Amid tears and quiet reflection, the family and first responders took turns shoveling dirt around the tree planted in front of the Glasgow Police Department.

“As a parent, I can’t imagine what it’s like to be here for this ceremony,” said Mayor Henry Royse. “As the mayor, I’m so excited to see our community come together and celebrate something that affects the entire community.”

The family also donated a Donate Life flag, which was raised at the department Wednesday morning.