A 16-year-old hockey player from Missouri has died after being struck by a stray bullet while his father drove him home from a game. Colin Brown was in the passenger seat on a busy highway in South St. Louis when gunfire erupted around 10:30pm on Saturday.
Colin, a student at CBC High School and member of its elite hockey programme, was rushed to hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. His father, Calvin Brown, a former law enforcement officer, thanked police for their efforts but called for greater support to combat violent gun crime.
St. Louis Metro Police said Colin's organs were donated, describing it as 'the ultimate gift of life'. The force believes a gunfight occurred while the Browns were driving in the opposite direction, and is determined to hold those responsible accountable.
The St. Louis Blues coaching staff wore '72 Strong' pins in honour of Colin's jersey number before their game on Wednesday. CBC High School said he was a talented student enrolled in honours courses and a valuable member of the varsity hockey team.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones expressed grief and anger, saying the community is 'overwhelmed with sadness' at the loss of an innocent teenager. Police continue to investigate the incident.
