A 16-year-old hockey player in St. Louis has died after being struck by a stray bullet while driving home with his family. Colin Brown was returning from one of his hockey games around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday when he was struck by a stray bullet on a highway, Fox2now reported.
After Brown was shot, his father continued driving until he met up with emergency personnel. The teen was then taken to the hospital, where he stayed for several days before he died.
Youth hockey organizations and community members are now coming together to support the family. The supporters are showing their love with fundraisers, prayer services and tributes for Brown, who was a student at Christian Brother College High School in St. Louis County. In a statement released on Wednesday, CBC High School said the community is deeply saddened by the loss of Brown, who was a junior at the school.
“As our community grieves together, our prayers, support, and love are with his family and close friends during this most challenging time,” the school stated, per Fox2now
According to the statement, Brown transferred to CBC from his previous high school in O’Fallon, IL.
“He was a talented and dedicated student who was enrolled in Honors courses, and he was a valuable member of our CBC Varsity Hockey team,” the school stated. “We will hold a special all-school mass for our students on Monday morning in remembrance of Colin. We will keep all in our school community informed regarding the pending arrangements to celebrate.”
Police haven’t released additional information on the shooting, but they’re urging anybody with information to contact SLMPD’s homicide detective line at 314-444-5371 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
“This type of disregard for human life will not be tolerated in this city or this region,” said Mitch McCoy, a spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, per Fox2now.
McCoy also revealed that some of Colin’s organs were donated to other patients.
“This donation is an example of the type of young man Colin was and the kind of family he grew up in,” McCoy said. “Their steadfast commitment to serve the people around him should inspire us all.”