Honorees

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Year Honored
2009
Honoree
David A. Ashburn
Agency
University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team
Agency City
Ann Arbor
Agency State
MI
Last Call
6/4/07
Cause of Death
Medical Aviation Accident
Biography
"I remember" a brand new surgery intern in cowboy boots with a country accent getting very excited to take care of trauma patients, " He was a very outgoing, fun-loving, enthusiastic young man who was looking forward to a bright future," said Dr. Michael Deeb, a professor of cardiac surgery who trained Ashburn. "David loved children, He has three of his own that he loved very dearly. David has always felt that his role in life was to be a healer." His wife Candice stated that the family is comforted by knowing that David is in heaven, and that his love will help guide them through the days ahead.<br /> <br /> David A. Ashburn, 35, of Dexter, Michigan, was killed in the line of duty on June 4, 2007. Dr. Ashburn was part of a transplant team of six who lost his life when the Cessna jet crashed into Lake Michigan just minutes after taking off from General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee. He was on a mission to save the life of a man in desperate need of a lung transplant.<br /> <br /> Dr. Ashburn was a resident in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. He spent seven years in the Wake Forest program as an intern, surgery resident and chief resident before accepting a residency position at the University of Michigan in 2005. David was already well known among doctors specializing in congenital heart defects. The flight was to be his final organ procurement trip before he could receive a certification that would be one more step toward finishing his 10 years of medical training, said Dr. Richard Ohye, a surgeon and Ashburn's residency program director. He was probably one of the most promising congenital heart surgeons that have come through the program," Ohye said. His warm personality made him feel like family.<br /> <br /> Honored 2009