High school hockey player, 16, dies after he was shot while driving home from game with dad
ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) – A high school hockey player who was shot by a stray bullet while riding home from a game near St. Louis has died, police said.
Colin Brown, 16, was playing in a hockey game for Christian Brothers College High School (CBC) at the Affton Ice Rink on Saturday night.
After the game, he was riding home in a car with his dad when he was shot on Interstate 55 around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Police believe he was struck by a stray bullet.
Colin was taken to an area hospital with critical injuries. On Wednesday, officials announced that Colin had died.
His family said his organs were donated.
“This donation is an example of the type of young man Colin was and the kind of family he grew up in. Their steadfast commitment to serve those around them should inspire us all,” said Mitch McCoy, spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, at a press conference.
The Brown family gave the following statement to KMOV:
“We just hope the silver lining from this senseless tragedy is that it gives someone else the chance at life. Colin was a helper and who wanted to be a doctor. So in a small way his ‘gifts of life’ allow him to be the healer he was destined to be.”
St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura O. Jones described the shooting as a “senseless and reckless act of violence” in a statement:
“The death of Colin Brown is devastating news for our whole community. We were all praying for a miracle and are now overwhelmed with grief, sadness, and anger that this innocent teenager’s life has been taken. As the mother of a teenage son, I grieve with all who knew and loved this young man. We will never have true justice for the loss of Colin’s life. But I know that the great officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will continue to do all they can to find who is responsible for this senseless and reckless act of violence and hold them able to the fullest extent of the law. Everyone who knew and loved Colin is in my prayers.”
On Monday, coaches, teams and players from across the Missouri and Illinois hockey communities gathered at the Metro Rec Plex in O’Fallon, Illinois for a prayer vigil to the Brown family.
The vigil was hosted by Colin’s former team, the O’Fallon Panthers.
Colin was on the team at O’Fallon Township High School before transferring to CBC this school year.
“People don’t understand the importance of the hockey family, the hockey community,” said Dan Sommer, the assistant coach for the Panthers.
Close to 200 people attended the vigil.
“He’s the type of kid that every coach wants on his team,” said CBC Hockey Coach Ryan Trenz.
The nonprofit DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation has set up a fundraiser to help Colin’s family. The foundation’s board has approved a 3-to-1 matching program for every dollar donated, up to $2,500. Click here to donate.
The St. Louis Blues made a statement on social media, writing:
“The hearts and minds of the St. Louis Blues organization are with Affton Americans and CBC’s Colin Brown and his family, friends and teammates. Please keep Colin in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
The St. Louis Blues and Blues Alumni will donate the proceeds from Saturday’s 50-50 raffle to the Brown family. Tickets can be purchased online here or in person at the game until the second intermission.
In separate statements, Colin’s family and CBC High School called the shooting “senseless.”
St. Louis police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
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