Teenage hockey player returning from game in Missouri dies after being hit by stray bullet

A “beloved and talented hockey player” died days after being hit by a stray bullet on Interstate 55 in Missouri.

Colin Brown, a teenage hockey player, was struck by a stray bullet on Interstate 55 in St. Louis as he was on his way home from a game with his family around 10:30 p.m. last Saturday, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said in a news release.

After he was shot, his father immediately alerted authorities and continued to drive till they were met by police and EMS, who transported the 16-year-old to a hospital “in critical condition.”

Brown remained in critical condition at the hospital for a few days before he died Wednesday morning, police said.

“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,” St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Mitch McCoy said in a statement. “Colin’s family has asked that I relay their deep appreciation to law enforcement, the hockey community and those who loved Colin.”

“They are asking for privacy at this time,” he added.

Player donated organs

McCoy, in his statement, also shared that Brown donated his organs to “other patients in desperate need.”

“Colin passed away but not before giving the ultimate gift of life,” McCoy said. “Earlier today, Colin’s organs were donated to other patients in desperate need.”

Friends, family and staff members lined the hallways of the hospital as Brown, who aspired to be a doctor, was taken to become an organ donor, FOX2Now reported. Brown’s father told the media outlet his son’s donation saved four lives.

Christian Brothers College, a high school in St. Louis, where Brown was a student mourned his sudden demise and described him as “a talented and dedicated student who was enrolled in Honors courses, and he was a valuable member of our CBC Varsity Hockey team.”

“As our community grieves together, our prayers, support, and love are with his family and close friends during this most challenging time,” the school said in a post on Facebook.

The Dawg Nation Foundation, a registered non-profit organization “whose mission is to support members of our hockey community” in times of crisis has also set up a donation fund for Brown to help his family.

The foundation told USA TODAY Thursday that $100K in support of the Brown family has been raised so far.

No tip too small

McCoy said homicide detectives “have been working around the clock to ensure justice is served in Colin’s name,” adding the department has received several tips, including a new video since Monday, all of which are under review and investigation.

The department has also requested anyone with information on the incident to contact the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371. Those wishing to remain anonymous or are interested in a possible reward can call Crime Stoppers at 866-371-8477. Residents living in the area of I-55 and Loughborough have been specially requested to review their home security cameras, which may have captured the shooting.

“No tip or piece of information is too small. Every little bit helps us bring the person or persons responsible to justice,” police said in the news release.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.