Live On Nebraska

"Hayden Allan Baker was a remarkable young man, known for his dedication, generosity, and infectious humor. Although his journey took him through multiple communities, his impact on those around him was profound and lasting.

His passion for wrestling was proved in the amount of times he fought through bloody noses and structured knee issues. His love for farming, trades, and work started at a young age, living out in the country. This continued when he moved into town and worked for small farms and helped many others with small jobs. He was in middle school when his interest in welding sparked. He received his first small MIG/flux welder and, with little guidance, became a self-taught welder. Hayden's passion for God grew stronger as he joined Imagine Street Hockey, eventually leading him to his home church, Compass Christian Church. His love for street hockey also grew, playing for his youth program, creating dreams of playing hockey in the pros some day. This was quickly shot down when he realized he couldn't ice skate, but he definitely continued as a huge Knights fan.

Hayden was also known for his quick wit humor that made him a beloved figure among his peers. Something that seemed to add on to his anomalous traits was his colorblindness. A difference he never viewed as a limitation, but embraced. Often even joking around, especially when trying to find the right color house or debating if peanut butter was green or not. He inspired others to embrace their own differences with confidence.

Just before high school, Hayden began setting his career path strategically. When his accident happened as a senior at Lewis Central High School, he was on track to complete his high school credits and earn a welding certificate from Iowa Western. His talent and commitment to welding made him a standout student and a role model for his peers. Hayden had balanced his academic life with a job as a Dairy Clerk/Associate at Fareway, and also ran his own small welding business. Despite his busy schedule, Hayden excelled academically and made the honor roll in all but one semester of his high school career. During his high school graduation, they awarded him with his welding certificate and high school diploma, despite not being able to be physically present.

Hayden’s love for motorcycles was a defining part of his life. He began riding at a young age alongside his dad and grandpa, finding a sense of peace and freedom on the open road. The community brought him immense joy and pride. He was very passionate about safety, always ensuring that he and others wore proper gear and attended safety classes. He often was seen riding around with a group of his buddies, and was known for his white helmet that you would never see him riding without. Often times you would catch him giving his sisters or mother rides, as we all would also find a sense of peace on the motorcycle with him. Hayden was extremely proud of his motorcycle.

In a final act of generosity, Hayden chose to become an organ donor, saving four lives. This selfless decision is a lasting testament to the kind of person he was. His decision to become a donor was first made at age 14 when getting his learners permit, and again when he was getting his license. He even made the DMV triple check that he was, as he had misheard them and wanted to be sure. Hayden had voiced many times that if he would not be able to have a quality of life, he wanted his organs to go to someone that could live their life.

When hearing those words and discovering Hayden's condition, I knew what I had to do. As hard as it was for me to wrap my head around the decisions to be made, I knew that my son, who was full of life just 16 hours prior, had made this decision and I wanted honor it. While it was very hard to go through the tragic event that happened on October 18th, 2025, it was rewarding knowing that my son was able to save these lives. It also made new drivers in the community, family, and friends of Hayden, make the decision to become organ donors and realize how that decision could change so many lives." - Karla Baker, mom to donor hero, Hayden

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