Real Housewives of Orange County star Kara Keough has donated her son’s organs after the baby died tragically during birth.
Keough, 32, shared the devastating news on Instagram, telling followers that McCoy Casey Bosworth was born on April 6 and weighed 11 pounds and 4 ounces.
“McCoy surprised us all with his size and strength (and overall perfection),” she wrote. “During the course of his birth, he experienced shoulder dystocia and a compressed umbilical cord.
“He joined our Heavenly Father and will live forever in the hearts of his loving parents, his adoring sister, and those that received his life-saving gifts.”
Keough and her husband Kyle are also parents to four-year-old Decker.
In her Instagram post, she continued: “I wrote this for the organ/tissue procurement team to read out in his honor: ‘Tonight, we join together to honor this little savior’s gifts of life. Through him, may others find new hope and profound healing... and may he live again through them.
“May his legacy shine in the form of lifetimes aplenty - lives filled with laughter, compassion, energy, love, and most of all gratitude.
“May it be said that McCoy Casey Bosworth left this world in a better place, for a better place.... that he made an impact... that he was an answered prayer... that he was a hero.
“May angels lead him in.”
Fans, co-stars and well-wishers soon shared messages of condolence on Keough’s page.
TV host Andy Cohen wrote: “Sending love and prayers to your family.”
Vicki Gunvalson, who previously featured in Real Housewives alongside Keough’s mother, Jeana, wrote: “Bless you, Kyle, Decker and your family. I am so sorry honey.”
“I'm so sorry, my heart hurts for you and your family. Prayers,” wrote Tamra Judge.
Keough’s mother was one of the original Real Housewives of Orange County cast members. She departed as a full-time cast member in 2010 but has made guest appearances since.
For information and support on neonatal death and bereavement, contact Sands via their website or helpline: 0808 164 3332.
