The college football world is grieving after the 2-year-old son of former Brigham Young University standout Curtis Brown died in a drowning at the family’s home.
Haze Brown was discovered unresponsive in the private swimming pool at the residence on July 26, authorities confirmed. A relative found the toddler and immediately dialed 911, prompting police, firefighters and emergency medical crews to respond.
Responders performed CPR at the scene, but the efforts did not succeed. An ambulance transported the boy to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police reported no evidence of foul play in the incident. Clovis Police Department spokesman Ty Wood described the event as “an extremely unfortunate situation.”
“Adults should never let children swim unsupervised and should always learn CPR and keep safety and rescue equipment nearby,” Wood said.
Haze was the youngest of five children born to Curtis Brown and his wife, Kim. The couple also has 13-year-old triplets Julie, Cruze and Kash, along with 12-year-old son Trey.
Family friend Chandler Pearson organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist with costs after the tragedy. On the page, Pearson wrote: “The Brown family has experienced an unimaginable loss. Kim and Curtis recently lost their miracle baby, Haze, in a tragic drowning accident. No words can ease the heartbreak they are facing as they grieve the loss of their precious son.”
Pearson continued: “Many of you know and love Kim, Curtis, and their family, and have reached out asking how you can support them during this incredibly difficult time. One meaningful way to help is by contributing to this GoFundMe campaign. Your donation will help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses and other unexpected costs, allowing the Brown family to focus on healing and being together.”
The organizer added: “Every act of kindness, no matter the size, 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.”
Pearson told reporters the couple is “completely leaning on each other, their friends, and their faith right now.” He noted that Haze arrived after extensive prayer, fasting and medical help following fertility challenges, and that the older children had sensed another sibling was meant to join them.
Curtis Brown starred as a running back for the BYU Cougars from 2002 to 2006. He earned first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in consecutive seasons and set the school’s career rushing record at the time with more than 3,200 yards. He also recorded more than 1,300 receiving yards and 36 total touchdowns across 52 games.
After college, Brown signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals and appeared in preseason contests before his release. He later settled in Clovis, where he works in pharmaceutical sales; Kim works part time as a nurse.
Former teammates and coaches from the BYU program have expressed sorrow and directed support toward the family through the fundraising effort, which has drawn tens of thousands of dollars in contributions.
The campaign aims to cover funeral costs and related expenses so the Browns can concentrate on healing together.
