A Jim Thorpe Area High School senior who was awaiting a heart transplant died Saturday at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Tyler Kowatch, 18, recently had emergency surgery to address complications from hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

According to Kowatch’s obituary, he was “loved by many, and his spirits were raised by the overwhelming show of support and contributions through the #TylerStrong fundraising efforts.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to The Cardiac Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Please visit: http://www.chop.edu/giving.

Kowatch underwent three corrective open-heart surgeries by the time he turned three years old.

On April 27, Race Street and Broadway in Jim Thorpe were lined with luminaries with heart cutouts as a show of community support for Kowatch. Many businesses contributed a portion of their sales or direct donations on that night.

An online fundraiser also raised over $6,500.

Kowatch competed on the track team at Jim Thorpe. During his summers, he worked as a custodian at L.B. Morris Elementary School. He was a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan and was still celebrating their Super Bowl victory. He loved spending time with his younger brother, Will, hanging out in their game room playing Xbox and watching the show Rick & Morty.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. on Thursday at Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe with the Rev. James J. Ward officiating. Memorial visitations will be held 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday and 9:00-10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in St. Mary’s Greek Catholic Cemetery, Nesquehoning.