A “cherished and gifted hockey player” passed away days after being struck by a stray bullet while on Interstate 55 in Missouri.

Colin Brown, a 16-year-old hockey player, was hit by a stray bullet around 10:30 p.m. last Saturday while returning home from a game with his family, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

His father quickly notified the authorities and kept driving until help arrived. Emergency services took Colin to a hospital where he remained in critical condition for several days before passing away on Wednesday morning.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the death of 16-year-old Colin Brown, who was shot by a stray bullet on I-55 last Saturday night,” stated Mitch McCoy, spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. “Colin’s family wishes me to express their sincere gratitude to law enforcement, the hockey community, and all who loved Colin.”

They have requested privacy during this difficult time, McCoy added.

Colin’s Final Gift

McCoy also revealed that Colin donated his organs to “patients in urgent need.”

“Colin passed away but not before making the remarkable gift of life,” McCoy remarked. “Earlier today, Colin’s organs were successfully donated to individuals in critical need.”

As Colin was taken for organ donation, friends, family, and hospital staff filled the hallways to honor him. His father informed the media that Colin’s donations saved four lives.

Christian Brothers College, where Colin was a student, expressed sorrow over his unexpected passing, describing him as “a promising and hardworking student enrolled in Honors classes, as well as a key player on our CBC Varsity Hockey team.”

“As our community comes together to grieve, we send our prayers, support, and love to his family and close friends during this challenging period,” the school conveyed in a Facebook post.

The Dawg Nation Foundation, a registered nonprofit that aims to assist hockey community members in times of need, has initiated a donation fund for the Brown family. They reported raising $100,000 to support the Browns as of Thursday.

Every Detail Matters

According to McCoy, homicide detectives are working tirelessly to seek justice for Colin, mentioning that the department has received several tips, including new video evidence since Monday. All information is currently being examined.

The department encourages anyone with details regarding the incident to reach out to the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371. Those who prefer to remain anonymous or are interested in a potential reward can contact Crime Stoppers at 866-371-8477. Residents near I-55 and Loughborough are specifically urged to check their home surveillance footage that may have captured the incident.

“No clue or piece of information is too insignificant. Every detail helps us bring those responsible to justice,” the police noted in the press release.