Mike Laib was hit by a car on Monday, 1 June 2026, on his way home to spend time with his girlfriend and dog. The impact caused a grade 3 brain injury that took away his ability to breathe and swallow, and a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the neck down. On 3 June, 2026, the decision to withdraw care was made. Mike always wanted to be an organ donor and on 6 June, 2026, he died in peace in the operating room as his heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, and kidneys were donated to matched recipients.

A tribute —

Mikey (family called him), you were a skilled worker. There is no trade or craft you could not pick up and excel at. You were a son who loved his dad and mom so much. You were a loving brother an exceptional uncle. You were a friend. A loyal, funny, protective friend. You are a cousin who called, co-suffered, and chose presence to family. We are all so grateful for you. You cared deeply, you fought well. You were dealt some nasty cards in this life and you never gave up. You never gave in. Jesus’ love, mercy, and compassion was ever for you your whole life. Your family remembers the gift of your life and celebrates the eternal peace you stepped into on June sixth.

I am Mike’s cousin, Brian Cole. I had the honor of growing up with Mike and share a kinship with him through our respective time enlisted in the military. After the accident I got to be with Mikey, Mama Karen, Sybil, and Molly in UF Shands Neuro ICU. With the blessing of my Aunt Karen, I started this fundraiser to help her move forward with the loss of her son.