The family of a New Brighton man killed after falling from the luggage rack of a fast-moving vehicle in an incident Friday in Cranberry is giving the gift of life to his best friend and neighbor. 27-year-old Andrew Dietz is thanking his best friend while recovering from a kidney transplant at UPMC Montefiore. Dietz received the kidney from his neighbor, 27-year-old Ryan Minett, who died in an accident in Cranberry. Andrew suffers from a rare kidney disease and needed a transplant. When doctors discovered his and Ryan Minett’s blood types matched, Andrew was moved to the top of the donor list and went into surgery overnight. We spoke with Andrew’s father – Rob Deitz – earlier this morning and he talked about what it was like receiving that phone call…
Deitz says it’s been really tough for his family trying to deal with conflicting emotions…
Deitz says Andrew is recovering from the surgery and is good spirits…
Officials said Ryan Minett died from his injuries Saturday evening at UPMC Presbyterian, where he had been taken in critical condition following the incident. His girlfriend — Jessica Royall of Cranberry — has been charged with felony assault and drunken driving. She’s being held in the Butler County Jail. She will be charged with homicide.