ST. LOUIS — The high school hockey player wounded in a highway shooting over the weekend died from his injuries Wednesday afternoon, police said in a press conference.
Colin Brown, 16, was struck by stray gunfire Saturday night while riding home from a hockey game on northbound Interstate 55 near Loughborough. He died Wednesday afternoon, police department spokesman Mitch McCoy said in the press conference.
McCoy said Colin was able to make a final impact Wednesday.
"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 who were 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."
Police said they believe the gunfire came from the opposite direction of traffic. No arrests have been made as of Wednesday afternoon. He said the department is continuing to seek all possible information to bring the case to justice.
"There are multiple agencies involved in the investigation," McCoy said. "When something like this happens, everybody will come together to assist and help and make sure that, as a law enforcement community, we send a very strong message to whoever did this that this type of disregard for human life will not be tolerated in this city or this region."
McCoy reiterated a call for help in solving the crime. The department is asking anyone with video or other evidence to call the homicide detectives at 314-444-5371. Anonymous tips can be provided to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477. He said they have new video that they did not have when they put out a call on Monday, but he did not say what the video showed.
Brown was a hockey player for CBC High School and the Affton Americans. He was in the car with his father, Calvin Brown, a retired lieutenant colonel with Illinois State Police.
McCoy provided the following statement on behalf of the family:
"His family has expressed their deep appreciation for law enforcement, the hockey community and those who loved Colin. They are asking for privacy at this time."
St. Louis police are continuing the investigation into the shooting. During a Monday press conference, McCoy said detectives went door-to-door in the area to try to get additional video or other evidence.
"We can not solve crime alone, but we do know that there are witnesses to what happened, and we need their eyewitness account to help us piece together what happened," he said. "No amount of information is too small."
McCoy said off-duty first responders were in the cars behind the Browns' at the time of the shooting. They provided emergency medical support until an ambulance could arrive.
"Those first responders, those off-duty first responders, jumped in to help. That gave Colin one hell of a fighting chance," McCoy said.
Mayor Tishaura Jones provided the following statement Wednesday afternoon:
“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,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “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 accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Everyone who knew and loved Colin is in my prayers.”
In the days since the shooting, the St. Louis hockey community has rallied around Brown and his family. More than 100 people showed up for Colin and his family at the McKendree Rec Plex for a prayer vigil Tuesday night.
Colin played for O'Fallon, Illinois for several years but currently plays for the Affton Americans and CBC.
CBC shared this statement Wednesday afternoon:
"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. 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. St. John Baptist de La Salle … Pray for us. Live Jesus in our Hearts … Forever!"
Former teammate Chase Green, who now coaches in O'Fallon, was holding back tears at the vigil.
“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,” Green said.
The Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation, a nonprofit that supports amateur ice hockey players and families in times of crisis started raising money for the family right after they heard the news.
“The amount of people that have already reached out and shared everything, donated it was pretty overwhelming,” Chad O’Neil with Dawg Nation said.
The fundraiser is ongoing. As of Wednesday afternoon, it raised $72,500 for the family.
The proceeds from the 50-50 raffle during Saturday's Blues game at Enterprise Center will be donated to Brown's family. Fans can purchase tickets online now through the end of the second period on Saturday.
In a tweet, the St. Louis Blues said "our hearts are broken" after learning of Brown's death, adding that his life would be celebrated during a pre-game moment before Saturday's game.
The Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation honors officers and supports families of Illinois State Police. Currently, it is accepting donations for the Brown family. To donate, click here.
On Saturday, Bar Down Sports Bar in south St. Louis County is hosting a fundraiser for the family.
Several local vendors donated to the bar, including Kuna Meat and Pete's Italian Baking.
