Yesterday, November 27, a media outlet reported the death of a 16-year-old hockey player named Colin Brown. According to First Alert 4, Brown passed away days after he was shot on Interstate 55 in St. Louis, Missouri.
On Saturday, November 23, the late teen had been riding in a car with his dad after a hockey game at the Affton Ice Rink. At approximately 10:30 p.m. on the interstate near Loughborough and Bates, the shooting took place. Police expressed their belief that Brown was hit by a stray bullet.
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Following the shooting, Brown’s father drove to Broadway and Walnut in St. Louis, and the police were called. A 20-year-old woman from St. Charles County named Lily Paniucki, who was in downtown St. Louis for a friend’s 21st birthday bash, said she and another friend had heard Brown’s dad crying out for help.
The group of pals had rented a party bus to bar-hop downtown. At one point, Paniucki and the friend (who heard the shouting), decided to stay on the bus while their other friends went inside Ballpark Village to celebrate.
A view of Interstate 55 in Arnold, Missouri on December 31, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
“On our way back from a gas station we had stopped at a light and we heard somebody screaming for help,” mentioned Paniucki.
When the girls had asked the driver, who had stopped at the intersection of South Broadway and Walnut, where the sounds were coming from, Paniucki said he pointed to a man standing outside his car at the intersection.
The girls then informed the driver that they wanted to get off the bus to get a closer look at what was happening. “I jumped out and we came up to this guy standing outside the passenger seat and another guy sitting in the passenger seat and he was holding his neck and he said, ‘my [sic] son has just been shot,’” explained Paniucki.
After Paniucki, who graduated from Respond Right EMS Academy in St. Peters a month ago, told Brown’s dad that she was an EMT, she stepped in to assist. “I could see he was applying pressure to a wound in the front of his neck. I couldn’t find a pulse so I knew we needed to start CPR immediately,” disclosed Paniucki.
A view of Busch Stadium, the St. Louis skyline, Gateway Arch and Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri in 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Together, with the help of her friend and Brown’s father, the trio lifted Brown out of the passenger seat and laid him down on the sidewalk, where she began administering CPR. Paniucki also shared that even though Brown’s dad, naturally, was panicked and breathless, he was able “to give his son breaths” along with her compressions.
The young EMT had been administering CPR for around 10 minutes before a bystander approached them to offer assistance. The two continued to administer CPR for another 10 minutes until an ambulance arrived.
911 dispatch calls indicate that at 10:36 p.m., a 911 call was made. At 10:46 p.m., police arrived and deemed the scene secure. Four minutes later (10:50 p.m.), the first fire truck arrived, and then the ambulance at 10:52 p.m.
“Hearing somebody scream for help like that, there was no time to sit and worry or second guess myself. I kicked right into action and it all just came to me,” reflected Paniucki on the situation. At that time, Brown remained in the hospital, fighting to survive.
Sadly, the young hockey player was pronounced dead on Wednesday, November 27. A spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department announced his death in a press conference in the afternoon on that same day.
Mitch McCoy stated, “It is with a heavy heart — I share with you that 16-year-old Colin Brown has died after being shot by a stray bullet Saturday night on I-55.” He went on to divulge that Brown’s organs were donated, noting how the selfless act is a reflection of who Brown was.
Brown’s bereaved family also provided a statement to First Alert 4. “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 [sic]. So in a small way his ‘gifts of life’ allow him to be the healer he was destined to be,” they expressed of Brown’s donation.
Before Brown passed away on Wednesday, St. Louis homicide detectives had been following up on tips they received on Monday, November 25. On November 27, Fox 2 Now reported that they had also received a new video, which they have been reviewing for any details that may be connected to the case.
Officials have also urged any civilians who reside near Loughborough Avenue and I-55 to review their security cameras for anything that could help their case. Specific video timestamps from November 23 that they are seeking information for are between 10:30 and 10:45 p.m.
Thus far, police have not revealed potential suspect information in connection with Brown’s shooting. However, McCoy made it clear, “This type of disregard for human life will not be tolerated in this city or this region.”
Additionally, CrimeStoppers has a $5,000 reward on offer for anyone who may have information about a suspect. “If you have any relevant information, contact SLMPD’s homicide detective line at 314-444-5371 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477),” urges Fox 2 Now.
Several people and organizations have honored Brown with reflections and tributes since his passing. Bob Jakubeck, who is the coach of Affton Americans U16 CSDHL, shared some words about Brown, who was the star defenseman for the Affton Americans team’s club and affectionately referred to as “Brownie.”
“Brownie didn’t die today, he was born into Heaven today. He’s the kind of kid that doesn’t have to say much but when he does, people listen. Brownie’s not with us in person, but Brownie is with us,” shared Jakubek. Christian Brothers College, where Brown also played hockey for the varsity team, released a statement about his death as well.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts 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 […] As our community grieves together, our prayers, support, and love are with his family and close friends during this most challenging time,” reads their message.
The statement goes on to note how much of a talented and dedicated student the teen who transferred to CBC from a high school in O’Fallon, Illinois, was.
“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,” penned CBC.
Brown’s school also shared another tribute on Facebook, which showed a photo of the altar they had set up for the late teen in a chapel. “Forever in Our Hearts. We love you. Brothers for Life,” captioned the school above the post.
Alongside a close-up photo of CBC’s altar created in memory of the hockey player, the school hockey team wrote, “We will miss you dearly brother. Peace to the Brown family.”
Like Brown’s coach, school, and hockey team, the St. Louis Blues have shared their own dedication. After expressing how heartbroken they are over Brown’s passing, the team noted, “Our thoughts are with Brown’s family, friends and teammates during this time.”
“Our organization will celebrate Colin’s life with a pre-game moment on Saturday vs. Philadelphia, and proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will benefit Colin’s family. #3strong #72strong,” concludes their message.
A St. Louis resident named Derk Brown, who studied at Harris-Stowe State University, took to Facebook to share his condolences as well.
In an attempt to help Brown’s family amid their grief, the nonprofit DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation has created a fundraiser.
“The Dawg Nation Foundation board has approved a 3-to-1 matching program for every dollar donated, up to a maximum of $2,500 […] We kindly request your support in contributing to this worthy cause and helping the Brown family feel our love and support. Your generosity will make a significant difference in their lives,” states the organization’s online message.
At this time, we extend our deepest condolences to Brown’s family, friends, and other loved ones, and we wish for their healing as they mourn their significant loss. RIP, Brown.