Death Of Single Mom Of 7 Allowed 68 People To Live

CLEARWATER, FL – Helen “Teinell” Gore’s seven children, ages 12 to 26, had been looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day with their mom this Sunday.

Instead, the seven siblings are making arrangements for their mother’s funeral.

The 41-year-old Clearwater resident died Tuesday, May 8, at Tampa General Hospital following a jet ski accident off the Courtney Campbell Causeway Sunday, May 6.

Gore’s jet ski collided with a jet ski operated by Alberto Portales Fernandez, 41, of Tampa.

Fernandez was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa where he died later that day (see related story).

Despite being pronounced brain dead the following day, Gore held on to life until Tuesday. Her daughter, Keosha Gore, believes her mother somehow knew that she needed to stay alive long enough to share the gift of life 68 times.

That’s the number of people who received Gore’s donated organs, said Keosha.

“She was a caregiver for a number of years and loved helping people,” said Keosha. “Our mother lived her life to the fullest and was one of the most free-spirited women we’ve ever known.”

There’s no doubt in Keosha’s mind that her mother would have been pleased with the chance to help so many people.

She also would have been grateful for the opportunity to share her final moments with her children and her six grandchildren.

Keosha said the family had gathered for a Sunday outing at the Courtney Campbell Causeway the day of the accident so Teinell Gore was surrounded by the people she loved most when she was critically injured.

The single mom will be remembered for her contagious laugh, her devotion to her children and her love of car races and motorcycles.

She referred to Orlando Speed World as “my second home” and enjoyed riding around town on her pink custom-painted Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle.

Her family said she was accustomed to handling personal watercraft like the one she was riding when Fernandez collided with her.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is still trying to determine exactly how the accident occurred.

A GoFundMe account has been established to raise $20,000 to cover Gore’s medical bills, her burial and to provide for her children under the age of 18.

In just one day since the fund was set up, 86 people have donated more than $3,000.

To donate to the fund, click here.

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Images via Gore family