Colin Brown, a rising teen hockey star at Christian Brothers College high school in Missouri, was tragically killed by a stray bullet while riding in his dad's car after a game he attended with his family.
"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. We will never have true justice for the loss of Colin's life," the office of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said in a statement.
Brown was struck by the bullet around 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 23. His father called law enforcement and continued driving until they met police and EMS, who transported him to a nearby hospital "in critical condition," according to reporting by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The 16-year-old remained in critical condition until he died the day before Thanksgiving on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department shared news of his death in a statement, adding that his family sought privacy following the tragic incident.
"Colin's family has asked that I relay their deep appreciation to law enforcement, the hockey community and those who loved Colin," the statement added.
Ryan Trenz, a varsity hockey coach at CBC, said the team was heartbroken to hear of Brown's passing.
"You knew you were going to get 110% effort from him every time. Colin was the type of player and teammate every coach wanted on this team."
Assistant Coach Blake Ryan added that the late player was "everyone you would want your son to be."
"He's the first guy to pat you when you're down and the first to celebrate you when you're up," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "He was a natural leader and always quick to do the right thing."
The police department's spokesperson also disclosed Brown, who wanted to be a doctor, had donated his organs to "other patients in desperate need," and hospital staff lined the hallways as his body was taken to complete the procedure.
His father later told FOX2Now that his son's donation saved four lives.
Homicide detectives continue investigating the shooting and are currently reviewing a video and slew of tips.
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