A high school hockey player has died after a stray bullet struck him while he was riding in a car with his father on a busy highway.
Colin Brown, 16, and his dad Calvin were driving on Interstate 55 in St. Louis while on their way home from a hockey game at the Affton Ice Rink on November 23.
At around 10.30m near Loughborough and Bates, an unexpected bullet struck the car and hit the young player.
In a state of panic, Calvin drove to Broadway and Walnut in the City of St. Louis, and then called the police.
While officers arrived at the scene, the distressed father began shouting for help.
A young woman named Lily Paniucki, who was in the area for a friend’s birthday party, heard Calvin’s cries and quickly rushed to the pair.
Paniucki later told First Alert 4 she performed CPR on Colin for nearly 20 minutes but was not able to revive him.
The Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School student succumbed to his injuries on November 27 at the hospital.
Colin Brown, 16, has died days after a stray bullet struck him while he was riding in a car with his father on Interstate 55
Colin and dad, Calvin were driving on Interstate 55 in St. Louis and were on their way home from a hockey game at the Affton Ice Rink on November 23. Suddenly, at around 10.30m near Loughborough and Bates, an unexpected bullet hit the young player
It remains unclear who or where the bullet had been shot from.
However, officials from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department have now found new evidence suggesting there was a rolling gunfight as the Browns traveled in the opposite direction.
In a press conference on the day of his death, Mitch McCoy, the department’s Director of Public Affairs and Information confirmed: ‘Since Monday, we have received numerous tips that Homicide detectives are following up on.
‘I can also confirm that we have received new video – that is being reviewed. We’re not sure what’s that video yet – but it is new and our detectives are working to analyze it.’
He further revealed that all of Colin’s organs had been donated to help other patients.
‘Colin – a beloved and talented hockey player – passed away but not before giving the ultimate gift of life.
‘Earlier today, Colin’s organs were donated to other patients in desperate need.
‘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.’
The Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School student sucummbed to his injuries on November 27 at the hospital
The victim’s family has also released a statement of their own – demanding that action be taken against ‘violent gun crimes’
Officials from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department have now found new evidence suggesting there was a rolling gunfight as the Browns traveled in the opposite direction. (Pictured: Colin with his brother)
In the end, McCoy requested residents living in the area of I-55 and Loughborough to provide them with any information or security camera footage that may help with investigation.
The victim’s family has also released a statement of their own – demanding that action be taken against ‘violent gun crimes’.
‘As a family and as a former law enforcement official with over 28 years of experience, we believe that greater efforts are needed in the City of St. Louis and the surrounding region to support the police and equip them with the necessary tools to combat such senseless, violent gun crimes,’ Calvin wrote on behalf of the Brown family in a Facebook post.
Tributes have since been flowing in for the young player with many of his teammates remembering his kindness.
On the tragic day, the school posted a picture of Colin out on the field with the caption: ‘It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts and that we share with our Christian Brothers College High School community the news of the tragic loss of our CBC brother, Colin Brown, a member of the Class of 2026 who was the victim of a random shooting this past weekend.
McCoy also revealed that all of Colin’s organs had been donated to help other patients
The school also posted photos of the victim’s hockey jersey and picture inside a church.
‘As our community grieves together, our prayers, support, and love are with his family and close friends during this most challenging time.
‘Colin joined our brotherhood this fall, transferring 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.
‘Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Colin’s soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,’ the Instagram post read.
The school also posted photos of the victim’s hockey jersey and picture inside a church.
Scott Loehring, his former O’Fallon Hockey Coach, said he was left devastated.
‘It’s tough. I have three children as well. And each one of them, we make that drive four to five times a week. So just knowing how random it is, it just hits really close to home,’ Loehring said.
Missouri Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe also voiced his concern about the rising level of crime in St Louis and demanded that lawlessness ‘must stop’.
Former teammate Chase Green, who now coaches in O’Fallon also shared: ‘When he first came to the program, he was like most of us, he was quiet.
‘Not outgoing, but year before last he came out of his shell, became a leader on the team.’
Missouri Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe also voiced his concern about the rising level of crime in St Louis and demanded that lawlessness ‘must stop’.
‘Devastated to hear of the passing of Colin Brown, a 16-year-old who was tragically shot while riding home from his hockey game on I-55.
‘The lawlessness plaguing St. Louis must stop, and the criminal responsible for this tragedy must be held accountable.
‘Claudia and I are praying for Colin’s family and the entire @CBCHighSchool community,’ he wrote in an X post.
