Pat Maroon’s wife Francesca sends strong message after 16-year-old St. Louis hockey player Colin Brown’s death [via IG/@pattymaroon, X/@StLouisBlues]

The hockey community is mourning the loss of Colin Brown, a 16-year-old St. Louis high school hockey player who tragically died after being struck by a stray bullet. He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

The incident happened on Interstate 55 in South St. Louis. Colin was returning home from a hockey game with his father on November 23 when he was shot and immediately hospitalized.

On Wednesday, Chicago Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon’s wife Francesca Vangel Maroon expressed her sorrow on Instagram. She shared the Blues’ Instagram post in Colin’s memory on her stories, writing:

“Gut-wrenching. I have no words. I’m so terribly sorry to Colin, his family, and all of his friends. We are sending you all of our love 💔.”

The St. Louis Blues honored Brown’s memory before their Wednesday game against the New Jersey Devils. A hockey stick was placed outside their locker room as a tribute to the young player, who wore jersey number 72 for the Affton Americans.

“Our hearts are broken after learning of the passing of Colin Brown, a CBC and Affton Americans hockey player that was tragically shot while riding home from his game on Nov. 23. Our thoughts are with Brown’s family, friends and teammates during this time”, the St. Louis Blues shared in an Instagram post.

Blues coaches also wore pins reading “72 Strong” in his memory. The team plans to hold a special moment of silence for Brown before their Saturday game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Additionally, proceeds from the in-game 50/50 raffle will go to the Brown family.

Hockey community sends prayers to Colin Brown and his family

Fans came in support of Colin Brown’s family after the news of his tragic passing circulated on the internet. Many sent prayers and condolences to the youngster’s family in the comments.

Following are some fan comments from X/Twitter:

“Praying for his family and god rest his soul 🙏 so tragic”

“Sticks out for colin 🙏 rip”, wrote one user.

“My heart goes out to the Brown family. May Colin live on in the hearts of his friends, family, teammates, and Cadets”, commented another fan.

Fans appreciated the Blues’ gesture shown to Colin Brown’s family. Some even called for the New Jersey Devils organization to do the same.

“@NJDevils donate the proceeds of the 50/50 of tonight’s game.”

“My prayers will definitely be with the Brown family at this time. Thank you to the Blues organization for honoring this young man!” wrote one fan.

St. Louis Blues winger Matthiew Joseph also honored the memory of the deceased youngster on his Instagram stories on Wednesday.