A teen from St. Thomas has passed away after getting to meet his favorite baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays. CTV London’s Brent Lale has the story.
The story of a St. Thomas, Ont. teenager has captured hearts across the nation.
“He was in my arms and dad was at his side and he was ready to go,” said Jennah Johnson, the mother of Weslee Johnson.
“He took four very peaceful, deep breaths and then passed.”
We first shared Weslee’s journey when his family held a celebration of life back in February, knowing that time was short for him.
This marked the beginning of an incredible few months that included meeting the Toronto Blue Jays during Spring Training in Florida and becoming the first honorary cadet with the St. Thomas Police Service (STPS).
Weslee Johnson Toronto Blue Jays fan Weslee Johnson, 17, of St. Thomas, Ont. (Source: Jennah Johnson)
“He showed some admiration for the police and I’m returning that admiration and respect back to him,” said Mark Roskamp, chief of STPS on March 25, 2026, when he received this honor.
The support from everyone has been overwhelming for Weslee’s family.
“Not in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought that his ninth inning would have been such an exciting adventure,” said Johnson.
Weslee Johnson and Mark Roskamp – St. Thomas – March 2026 Honourary Cadet Weslee Johnson reads his oath alongside Chief Mark Roskamp of the St. Thomas Police Service on March 25, 2026. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
However, over the past few weeks, Wes’ health started to decline quickly.
“During this entire process, Wes has been aware that he was going to pass away,” said Johnson
“I always made him three promises, and he always had to repeat them back to me. The three promises were ‘You will never be alone, I will never lie to you, and you will not be in pain’. I was able to keep those promises. He didn’t have any pain and, in the end, he was sedated. He chose the day that he wanted to be sedated and he died in my arms [Friday] at 8:40 [a. m.].”
His journey inspired people all over Canada. Thousands contributed to a fundraiser so he could fulfill his dream of meeting the Blue Jays.
Weslee Johnson Weslee Johnson poses for a photo with Trey Yesavage (left) and Davis Schneider of the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin FLA (Source: Weslee Johnson)
“I can’t get through all these comments because there’s just so many,” said Johnson.
“The tribute from [Sportnet’s] Jamie Campbell was so beautiful. The St. Thomas police chief posted something about his passing too. It was such a lovely way to remember an amazing young boy who touched so many lives. I’m really thankful that I got to be his mom.”
Weslee will be cremated on Monday and selected a special Blue Jays themed urn for his ashes.
Weslee Johnson Weslee Johnson poses for a photo with George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays on the field in Dunedin FLA (Source: Weslee Johnson)
Born with congenital heart disease, he knew early on that life would be brief.
“He had multiple surgeries and used different medications trying to fix it but eventually reached a point where nothing more could be done We went up north last November; that’s when we got listed for a heart transplant,” explained Jennah.
“We waited just over three years hoping for one but sadly other parts of his body were damaged beyond repair due too long without functioning properly now they’re unable handle any transplants.”
“So we waited three years looking forward but nothing came through.”
Even though those final months were tough they allowed him experiences he’d never dreamed possible before then.”
“He had adventures packed into only seventeen years most people won’t even see throughout their entire lifetime.”
His mother hopes her son’s experience encourages others consider signing up as organ donors.
“These discussions need take place,” Jennah said.
“Sure they might feel awkward but we desperately require additional organs plain & simple More donations are needed yet it remains under discussed topic overall.”
Wesle e John son W es lee Jo hnso n ,17 , of S t. T homas , Ont. h ad hi s di ng wi sh o f at te nd ing a To r onto Bl ue Ja ys ga me i n Flo ri da fu lfi ll ed( B rent La le / C TV Ne ws Lo ndon )
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Weslee Johnson and Mark Roskamp – St. Thomas – March 2026 Honourary Cadet Weslee Johnson reads his oath alongside Chief Mark Roskamp of the St. Thomas Police Service on March 25, 2026. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
However, over the past few weeks, Wes’ health started to decline quickly.
“During this entire process, Wes has been aware that he was going to pass away,” said Johnson
“I always made him three promises, and he always had to repeat them back to me. The three promises were ‘You will never be alone, I will never lie to you, and you will not be in pain’. I was able to keep those promises. He didn’t have any pain and, in the end, he was sedated. He chose the day that he wanted to be sedated and he died in my arms [Friday] at 8:40 [a. m.].”
His journey inspired people all over Canada. Thousands contributed to a fundraiser so he could fulfill his dream of meeting the Blue Jays.
Weslee Johnson Weslee Johnson poses for a photo with Trey Yesavage (left) and Davis Schneider of the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin FLA (Source: Weslee Johnson)
“I can’t get through all these comments because there’s just so many,” said Johnson.
“The tribute from [Sportnet’s] Jamie Campbell was so beautiful. The St. Thomas police chief posted something about his passing too. It was such a lovely way to remember an amazing young boy who touched so many lives. I’m really thankful that I got to be his mom.”
Weslee will be cremated on Monday and selected a special Blue Jays themed urn for his ashes.
Weslee Johnson Weslee Johnson poses for a photo with George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays on the field in Dunedin FLA (Source: Weslee Johnson)
Born with congenital heart disease, he knew early on that life would be brief.
“He had multiple surgeries and used different medications trying to fix it but eventually reached a point where nothing more could be done We went up north last November; that’s when we got listed for a heart transplant,” explained Jennah.
“We waited just over three years hoping for one but sadly other parts of his body were damaged beyond repair due too long without functioning properly now they’re unable handle any transplants.”
“So we waited three years looking forward but nothing came through.”
Even though those final months were tough they allowed him experiences he’d never dreamed possible before then.”
“He had adventures packed into only seventeen years most people won’t even see throughout their entire lifetime.”
His mother hopes her son’s experience encourages others consider signing up as organ donors.
“These discussions need take place,” Jennah said.
“Sure they might feel awkward but we desperately require additional organs plain & simple More donations are needed yet it remains under discussed topic overall.”Source link
