DONATE LIFE ROSE PARADE FLOAT - BALTIMORE, MD - SLAIN CITY TEEN TO BE FEATURED IN ROSE PARADE

Source: WBAL Baltimore, Channel 11

BALTIMORE -- A victim of Baltimore city violence who donated his organs will be remembered in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California next week.

Tarrence Regan-Mitchell was shot and killed two years ago when he was 16. Regan-Mitchell's mother, Tamala, said her son was on his way home when he was killed and was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Her son's friend broke the news to her.

"He said, 'Miss Tammy, Tarrance just got shot.' And my reaction to that was overwhelming. I just stood there. I was numb for a minute," Regan said.

Tarrance Regan-Mitchell with his mother, Tamala.

She said when she found out he didn't survive, she didn't hesitate when asked whether she wanted to donate his organs.

"You actually had to know my son to understand why I didn't hesitate, because he had a love for life, and to know that I was able and he was able to give back to someone, and someone is able to live, run, jump, see and smile, is great," she said. "I feel honored every day."

Regan-Mitchell was able to donate almost everything except for his heart, which was pierced by a bullet, doctors said.

Because of his donations, he was chosen to be featured on the Donate Life float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on New Years Day. The float is under construction and will have a floragraph of Regan-Mitchell -- a picture of him made out of flowers and organic materials.

Regan said she is flying out to California to watch the parade in person.

"I miss him every day, but knowing that he gave life to someone else is a blessing. So, I don't have any sorrows at all." - Tamala Regan, Honoree's Mother

"I'm really excited. I have butterflies. I've been packed since they called and told me I was going," she told 11 News.

Regan said it will be breathtaking to see her son's face on the float as a reaffirmation that some good came from such a tragic situation.

"I miss him every day, but knowing that he gave life to someone else is a blessing. So, I don't have any sorrows at all," she said.

The Rose Parade starts at 11 a.m. on New Years Day. Viewers can watch it on WBAL-TV.

The trial of the man accused of shooting Regan-Mitchell is scheduled for March.