A 16-year-old boy has died after being struck by a stray bullet while traveling on Interstate 55 in St. Louis, Missouri, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Colin Brown was riding in a vehicle with his father on Saturday night when an apparent stray bullet hit him, police said in a statement. His father reported that someone fired into their car and continued driving until reaching police and emergency medical services.
Brown, a junior at Christian Brothers College High School and a hockey player, was on his way home from a hockey game in Affton at the time of the incident, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
After spending several days in critical condition, authorities confirmed that Brown passed away on Wednesday.
“With a heavy heart, I share that 16-year-old Colin Brown has died after being struck by a stray bullet on I-55,” police spokesperson Mitch McCoy said. “Colin, a beloved and talented hockey player, passed away but not before giving the ultimate gift of life. Earlier today, Colin’s organs were donated to patients in desperate need.”
Homicide detectives have located evidence of gunfire in the southbound lanes of I-55 near Loughborough. The investigation remains ongoing, and no suspects have been identified.
Police are urging the public to assist with the case. “We ask residents near I-55 and Loughborough to check their home security cameras for any footage that may have captured the shooting,” McCoy said. “We’re also asking anyone who was driving in the area and saw or heard gunfire to contact detectives at 314-444-5371.”