Nearly four months after the tragic loss of their 16-year-old son, Colin Brown, his parents are speaking out about their grief and the devastating impact of gun violence. Colin was a high school hockey player and honor student at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis. His bedroom remains untouched, with a jersey draped over his bed, a half-filled water bottle in his backpack, and a calendar with November 22 marked as the last day he crossed off.
On November 23, Colin was riding home from a hockey game with his father, Calvin Brown, when a stray bullet struck him. The bullet came through the windshield of their car while they were driving on Interstate 55 in the South City neighborhood. His father recalled how they were simply headed home when their world suddenly changed. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Colin did not survive his injuries.
Before his passing, his family and teammates gathered in the hospital halls to say their final goodbyes as he was taken for organ donation. Colin had aspirations of attending medical school and was known for his kindness. His parents later learned that his heart was donated to a man with five children, allowing another family to continue spending time with their father, even as they mourned the loss of their own son.
Since Colin’s death, the Brown family has struggled to cope with the immense grief. His mother, Tracey Brown, described it as a pain that has left them shattered, saying it feels as if all four family members were taken that day, even though only Colin lost his life. The support they have received from friends, the community, and particularly the hockey world, has helped them navigate this difficult time, but the daily absence of their son remains overwhelming.
Three individuals—Garrett Jordan III, 26, Donovan Baucom, 28, and Diamond Baucom, 27—have been indicted by a grand jury on charges related to Colin’s death, including first-degree murder. All are currently being held without bond.
While they are grateful for law enforcement’s efforts, the Brown family hopes their tragedy can bring awareness to gun violence. They are determined to advocate for change and eventually establish a scholarship in Colin’s memory.
