Widow of Fallen DC Officer Donates His Kidney to College Student

Nadia Bennett's late husband Terry's organ donation saved the life of 21-year-old Maya Pinson.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Nadia Bennett, the widow of fallen D.C. police officer Terry Bennett, met the 21-year-old college student who received her late husband's kidney donation. Terry Bennett died in the line of duty after being struck by a car while helping a stranded driver. Nadia coordinated the kidney donation to Maya Pinson, a Penn State senior who was desperately in need of a transplant. The two women met for the first time and expressed their gratitude for the life-saving donation.

Why it matters

This story highlights the profound impact organ donation can have, not only on the recipient's life but also on the donor's family. Terry Bennett's selfless act of becoming an organ donor has given Maya Pinson a second chance at life, and his widow Nadia finds solace in knowing her husband's legacy lives on through this donation.

The details

After Terry Bennett was struck and killed by a car while assisting a stranded driver, his widow Nadia learned that he was an organ donor. Nadia then remembered seeing a social media post about Maya Pinson, a 21-year-old Penn State student in need of a kidney transplant. The two women had mutual friends, and Nadia coordinated the direct kidney donation to Maya. Weeks after the successful transplant, the two met for the first time, expressing their gratitude and the divine nature of the match.

  • On July 21, the D.C. Council will honor Terry Bennett's life and service as Terry Bennett Day in the District.
  • Terry Bennett died at the age of 32 while on duty as a D.C. police officer.
  • Nadia Bennett sat by her husband's bedside for 15 days as he fought for his life in the hospital.

The players

Nadia Bennett

The widow of fallen D.C. police officer Terry Bennett, who coordinated the kidney donation from her late husband to Maya Pinson.

Terry Bennett

A 32-year-old D.C. police officer who was killed in the line of duty after being struck by a car while assisting a stranded driver. His organ donation saved the life of Maya Pinson.

Maya Pinson

A 21-year-old Penn State senior who received Terry Bennett's kidney donation, giving her a second chance at life.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so grateful that you are recovering, you are doing well, and I'm just happy to know that Terry was your match.”

— Nadia Bennett, Widow of Terry Bennett

“It's so unexplainable. My heart dropped then because it became real. And I said, Maya, you have a donor, because this is her first surgery.”

— Minyon Pinson, Maya Pinson's mother

“It's really hard for me to put into words. I'm just beaming with joy and so fortunate.”

— Maya Pinson

What’s next

On July 21st, Bennett's birthday, the D.C. Council will honor his life and service as Terry Bennett Day in the District.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the profound impact that organ donation can have, not only on the recipient's life but also on the donor's family. Terry Bennett's selfless act has given Maya Pinson a second chance at life, and his legacy will be honored through the establishment of Terry Bennett Day in Washington, D.C.