In the spring of 2019, the life of 18-year-old Dre’yon Ty’Shean Browley was cut tragically short in Lynchburg, Virginia. A student at E.C. Glass High School, Browley was a member of the football team and was just weeks away from his graduation. Remembered as an outspoken, intelligent, and helpful young man, his sudden death sent ripples of grief through his family, friends, and the wider community.
On the evening of Thursday, May 16, 2019, a call reporting shots fired brought police to the Meadows Apartments on Yorktown Avenue. There, they discovered two male teenagers with gunshot wounds. Both were students at E.C. Glass High School. Dre’yon, affectionately known as 'Biggs,' was rushed to Lynchburg General Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. The other teen was hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
The investigation moved swiftly, and within three hours of the shooting, a juvenile suspect was apprehended in Campbell County. The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between the Lynchburg Police Department and the Campbell County Sheriff's Office. The unidentified juvenile was subsequently charged with murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
In the days that followed, the community came together to mourn the loss of a young life filled with promise. A vigil was held at the E.C. Glass football field where hundreds gathered to remember Dre'yon. His teammates wore their jerseys, and attendees were given ribbons with his jersey number, 13. Football players from neighboring high schools also attended to show their support, a gesture of solidarity that highlighted the impact of the loss across the local high school sports community. His funeral drew a large crowd of loved ones, many wearing shirts bearing his name, face, or jersey number to honor his memory.
