AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach renames medical scholarship to honor late Ormond Beach firefighter

The timing of the renaming is significant because April 28 is Ethan Wilson's birthday, and April is National Donate Life Month.

By Observer staff
| 11:30 a.m. April 27, 2023

Scholarship recipients Alexandra Riga (Bishop Moore High School), Lauren Taylor (Spruce Creek High School), Alyssa Capel (Seabreeze High School), Ashley and Coast Wilson, Danielle Robinson (Mainland High School) and Kage Johnson (Oviedo High School). Courtesy photo

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AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach has renamed a scholarship in honor of Ethan Wilson, an Ormond Beach firefighter who died in February after a surfing accident.

According to a news release, the scholarship, given out by the hospital’s medical staff, will now be called the Ethan Wilson Memorial Scholarship. Wilson, of New Smyrna Beach, donated his organs upon his death.

“Our goal is to honor a hero, and shine a bright light on his service to the community,” said Dr. Peter Riga, medical director of the emergency department at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, who spearheaded the effort to rename the scholarship.

Wilson is survived by his wife Ashley Wilson and their 5-month-old son Coast.

The timing of the renaming is significant, the hospital stated, because April 28 is Wilson's birthday, and April is National Donate Life Month.

Firefighter and paramedic Ethan Wilson, 33, was found unresponsive in the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Courtesy photo

“Our whole family is honored, and so glad that Ethan’s legacy lives on,” Ashley Wilson said. “Ethan was a servant-leader, and we are proud and grateful to have him recognized this year, and every year going forward.”

This year’s scholarships went to five local high school seniors headed to college with plans for a medical career. Each student will receive $1,000 per year for each year of college.

Among the recipients was Alyssa Capel, who will go to the University of South Florida in the fall.

“It means the world to me to be able to serve like Ethan did,” Capel said. “I just hope to carry on his legacy of service and lift others up like he did.”