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Former BYU Cougars football player Curtis Brown and his family, including his wife Kim, are grieving after a drowning that resulted in the death of their 2-year-old son, Haze.
Haze drowned in the swimming pool at the Brown family home in Clovis, California, on July 26, police told the New York Post.
A GoFundMe page was created by Chandler Pearson, a family friend who wrote on the site that the Brown family was facing “unimaginable loss.”
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Haze Brown, the 2-year-old son of former BYU Cougars running back Curtis Brown, died in a July 26 drowning accident. (GoFundMe)
“Kim and Curtis recently lost their miracle baby, Haze, in a tragic drowning. No words can ease the heartache they face as they mourn the loss of their precious son,” Pearson wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“Many of you know and love Kim, Curtis and their family, and have asked how you can support them during this incredibly difficult time. One meaningful way to help is to contribute to this GoFundMe campaign. Your donation will help ease the financial burden of funeral and other unexpected costs, allowing the Brown family to focus on healing and being together.
“Every act of kindness, no matter how small, reminds them that they are surrounded by a community that loves them deeply. Thank you for your generosity, compassion and support during this heartbreaking time.”
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The New York Post added that a family member found Haze unconscious in the pool and immediately called 911, and police, paramedics and firefighters responded.
CPR was attempted on the toddler, but was unsuccessful. Haze was transported to a nearby hospital and was later pronounced dead.
The GoFundMe page had received $77,375 in donations as of this writing.
BYU running back Curtis Brown looks for yards against SDSU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah October 7, 2006. BYU defeated SDSU 47-17. (Getty Images)
“It’s an extremely unfortunate situation,” Clovis Police Department spokesperson Ty Wood told the New York Post. “Adults should never let children swim unsupervised and should always learn CPR and keep lifesaving equipment nearby.”
Brown and his wife are the parents of five children, including son Trey and triplets Cruze, Julie and Kash.
Brown played five seasons with the Cougars from 2002-06, including a redshirt sophomore campaign in 2003. He broke out in 2004, rushing for 789 yards on 158 carries with six touchdowns, and established himself as someone who would lead the way for BYU the following season.
Brown did just that, leading the Mountain West Conference with 14 rushing touchdowns, while recording 1,123 yards on 210 carries. He also totaled 454 receiving yards on 53 receptions with two more scores through the air.
During his senior year, Brown totaled 1,010 yards on the ground and 566 through the air with 10 total touchdowns in 13 games.
BYU running back Curtis Brown holds the game trophy after the Cougars defeated the Oregon Ducks 38-8 in the Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 21, 2006, in Las Vegas. (Getty Images)
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Brown finished his BYU career with 3,241 rushing yards and 1,309 receiving yards with 36 touchdowns in 52 games. He held the record in school history before Harvey Unga broke it in 2009.
Brown looked to the NFL as his next step in 2007, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. However, after four preseason appearances, the Bengals released him before week one.
BYU did not immediately respond to a request for comment from PK Press Club Digital.
