ST. LOUIS – Nearly four months after a 16-year-old high school hockey player was killed by senseless gun violence on his way home from a game, his parents have shared their heartbreaking story of love and loss.
A teenager’s bedroom in St. Louis has been frozen in time, with a jersey draped across the bed, a backpack with a half-filled water bottle on the floor, and a calendar with November 22 crossed off.
“The last day X-ed out was the day before he was shot,” Tracey Brown, Colin Brown’s mother, stated.
Colin Brown was a standout hockey player, an honors student at Christian Brothers College High School, and a cherished son and brother.
On November 23, he was shot while driving home from a high school hockey game with his father, Calvin Brown. A stray bullet struck their windshield while they were driving on Interstate 55 in the South City neighborhood, according to KMOV.
“He was happy in the car,” Calvin Brown explained. “We were just headed home, and then, all of a sudden, world was shattered.”
Despite hospital staff’s best efforts, the 16-year-old died as a result of his injuries.
Colin Brown’s friends, family, and teammates lined the halls to say their goodbyes as he was led to the organ donation center. It was a final act of kindness from a young man who had a reputation for helping others and hoped to one day attend medical school.
“We know that his heart went to a man with five children, so someone’s father will be able to spend time with their children. We don’t get to spend days with ours, but some kids have their father,” Tracey Brown explained.
The Brown family has struggled to come to terms with their son’s death in the months since. A senseless act of violence threw their lives into chaos.
“It is excruciating. Tracey Brown said, “I’ve told people that on that day, four of us were killed, but three of us survived.” “There is no day without tears. Every day, we are concerned for his brother. “They were the best of friends.”
The family has received an outpouring of support from all over the country, including prayers, messages, and gifts. The hockey community, in particular, has been instrumental in guiding them through their darkest times.
“We appreciate all of the support. But every day, you must return home. Every day, you expect to see him descend the stairs. You see our table. Calvin Brown said, “It’s a table for four, but only three of us will ever sit there again.” “We had our own little communication style with one another. That type of thing will never happen again, and you understand the gravity of it.”
A grand jury has indicted three people in connection with Colin Brown’s death, including first-degree murder: Garrett Jordan III (26), Donovan Baucom (28), and Diamond Baucom (27). The three suspects are being held without bond.
The Brown family is grateful for the police work that has resulted in the start of the judicial process, but they are also hopeful that the story of their loss will inspire greater change in the fight against gun violence.
“People are destroyed by senseless acts,” Calvin Brown declared. “More needs to be done to prevent or reduce these incidents. I do not want anyone else to go through this. I never imagined this, but if telling this can help someone else become a catalyst, we need to act.”
The family hopes to establish a scholarship to carry on Colin Brown’s legacy.
