Birmingham Community Holds Vigil for 13-Year-Old Braylen Hardy After Tragic Accident

Birmingham Community Gathers to Remember Braylen Hardy

BIRMINGHAM—A heartfelt gathering is set to take place this evening as family and friends remember 13-year-old Braylen “Bray Bray” Hardy, who tragically passed away after his four-wheeler was struck by a driver fleeing a nearby shooting scene. The balloon release will commence at 6 p.m. in the 2900 block of Avenue E, where attendees are encouraged to bring blue or black balloons in honor of the beloved young boy.

A Tragic Incident

Braylen, a seventh-grade student at Bush Hills STEAM Academy and a dedicated basketball player, died on Tuesday at Children’s of Alabama, just three days following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Saturday evening. At approximately 6:45 p.m., Braylen was sitting on his ATV on a sidewalk near his father’s home in Ensley when gunfire erupted in the area. A vehicle that was fleeing the scene lost control and crashed into the young boy.

The driver fled on foot but was apprehended by Birmingham police officers a few blocks away. The Traffic Homicide Unit of the Birmingham Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the incident, though no formal charges have been announced.

Family’s Struggle

Braylen’s mother, Vannessa Riggs, described how her son and his family had just finished a day of riding their ATVs together. “A man driving erratically, going 60 or better down the road…he lost control, hopped the curb and hit my baby,” Riggs recounted emotionally. She rushed to the site of the accident only to learn that Braylen had already been transported to the hospital.

Doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize Braylen, who experienced several complications including lung and head injuries along with a broken leg and arm. “We were trying to see if God was going to turn it around,” Riggs said, sharing their hopes for a miraculous recovery. However, after multiple tests confirmed no brain activity on Tuesday, the family made the heart-wrenching decision to let him go peacefully.

Remembering Braylen

Braylen is remembered as a bright and cheerful child. His family described him as a “source of joy and inspiration” to everyone he met. His favorite activities included playing video games, enjoying food—especially a meal of mild wings and Cajun ranch cheese fries—and spending quality time with his family. Riggs fondly recalled, “He was just a happy kid.”

Braylen was also known for his popularity at school. His mother shared that his principal visited him in the hospital and commented on how well he was doing academically. The family had dreams of Braylen continuing his education at Ramsay High School.

Community Support

In light of this devastating loss, a GoFundMe has been established to assist Braylen’s parents with the unexpected expenses related to his passing. The fundraising platform shares, “Braylen left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.” His family is grateful for the support and has expressed their thanks to the community for coming together during this difficult time.

Superintendent Mark Sullivan has offered his condolences to the Hardy family, emphasizing that counseling services are being made available to the students and staff at Bush Hills STEAM Academy to help them cope with this tragic event.

Braylen is survived by three brothers and a sister, all of whom are mourning his loss deeply. “He loved to spend time with his family,” Riggs said. “He was just a fun-loving kid.”

The balloon release tonight promises to be a bittersweet moment as family members, friends, and community supporters come together to celebrate the life of a boy who touched so many hearts in his short time on Earth.