A teenager denied new lungs because he had traces of marijuana in his system has died after transplant surgery.

Riley Hancey, 19, was diagnosed with a rare lung infection after both collapsed which he suffered after complaining of the flu.

The shock diagnosis stunned his parents and three siblings who described him as a "healthy teen" who enjoyed winter and summer sports.

Riley was working in Utah, USA, for his brother and at a ski resort when he was struck down with the infection.

He was admitted to the University of Utah Hospital and placed on the transplant list but was denied surgery there after tests showed traces of marijuana in his system.

University officials said rules stated patients with "active alcohol, tobacco or illicit drug use" will not receive organs until "issues are addressed" in its explanation for not performing surgery.

It led to a desperate fundraising appeal by family members for another hospital to provide the double lung transplant operation as well as living and travel costs.

Two months after it launched Riley was flown to the University of Philadelphia after it agreed to carry out the transplant.

Last month, relatives told how doctors were "optimistic" after Riley received his new lungs.

But sadly the teenager died on Saturday following complications from the surgery.

His family posted on his fundraising page: "It has been a long battle to save Riley’s life.

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"We know that in our hearts we gave him every opportunity to survive. He will live in our hearts forever.

"Riley is now free to climb every mountain, ski the back country, go fishing, and run every river. He will continue to do so with his family in spirit.

"In his honor, we ask that you take a moment to do a random act of kindness for someone. Riley’s kind spirit, laughter, and smile will be deeply missed by all that knew him."

Relatives added a celebration of Riley's life will be held in due course.