CHENGDU - The parents of a 15-year-old boy who once received a cornea transplant decided to donate his organs after he died last Saturday (April 1).

Zhang Junyan, who succumbed to encephalitis (acute inflammation of the brain), had his liver and kidneys donated to three other critically ill patients at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, local media reported.

Junyan's mother, Madam Deng Jun, said she wanted to make her son's passing "more meaningful".

"He was very young, and until now has not been able to contribute to society. Donating his organs is his chance," she added.

Junyan reportedly lost sight in his left eye three years ago, but it was restored after he received a cornea transplant in March 2016.

Madam Deng said her son cherished his restored eye and would carry eye drops to ensure it received proper care.

But last month, he was diagnosed with a headache and fever and received medication for a cold when he visited a clinic near his home.

It turned out he had viral encephalitis, and he was unable to speak and subsequently fell into a coma four days later.

His parents were informed by doctors on March 28 that his condition was terminal.