Photos: A family’s vigil next to their son

Connor’s father, Devin, embraces his wife, Veronica, and daughter Sabrina, 18, after watching the helicopter transporting Connor’s heart fly from Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. At right is Connor’s aunt Terri Mehrguth. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

Aug. 8, 2014 4:56 PM PT

Connor Eckhardt’s family arrived at his bedside midday Monday to find that he was already in a coma. But they would have time to take pictures. They could try to internalize his smell. They could talk to him, trace the muscles in his arms, run their fingers through his hair.

A special team of surgeons was flown in to properly remove and transport Connor’s heart from Hoag Hospital. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

Connor’s close friend Jaclyn Westfall, 20, left, his mother Veronica and aunt Terri Mehrguth watch as the helicopter carrying Connor’s heart prepares to depart. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

From right, Connor’s mother Veronica, aunt Terri Mehrguth, sister Sabrina, father Devin and friend Jaclyn Westfall look on as the helicopter transporting Connor’s heart leaves the hospital. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

Friends and family wave goodbye to a second helicopter carrying another one of Connor’s organs. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

Devin Eckhardt places his hand over his heart as he, his wife Veronica, second from right, and daughter Sabrina, right, sing during a memorial service for Connor at Mission Hills Church in Mission Viejo. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)