Family of Seaham man killed in suspected Florida hit and run look to bring him home
“Brandon was the life and soul of the party and just knew how to make people laugh”
The family of Seaham man Brandon Grimes, who has reportedly been killed in a hit and run incident in Florida, have paid tribute to their “beloved, beautiful, and cherished boy” and have started a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of bringing his body home.
Brandon, 26, was on holiday with friends in Orlando, Florida, when, according to his family, he was involved in a collision with a vehicle on International Drive at around 3am on Friday September 25, in which the driver reportedly fled the scene.
His Partner, David Jackson, said: “I was at a wedding in Cyprus when I noticed I had a number of missed calls. I contacted Brandon’s friend in Florida, who said he was concerned as Brandon had not come back to the hotel.
“I was immediately worried, as this was not like Brandon. I called his friend again and that is when he said he was with a police officer and had been told that Brandon was dead after a suspected hit and run.
“At that point, I completely broke down - the whole family is devastated. We had planned so much together, and now that has been taken away.”
David said Brandon’s family have since been contacted directly by Florida Police to confirm the tragic news.
After being contacted by the Echo about Brandon, a spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in the US and are in contact with the local authorities.”
David and Brandon’s family have now started a GoFundMe campaign to fly Brandon’s body home and to “ensure he gets the justice he deserves”.
David said: “Initial suggestions to fly Brandon home are between £15,000 and £20,000. Brandon was adored by his whole family and we just want to get him home to arrange his funeral.
“We’ve may also need to cover any legal fees to get Brandon the justice he deserves.”
Paying tribute to Brandon, David added: “He is going to be greatly missed by his whole family. Brandon was the life and soul of the party and just knew how to make people laugh.”
In a statement on his GoFundMe page, his family added: “Brandon was a gentle, bright, funny, and wonderful soul who brought so much light, love, and joy to everyone who knew him - he truly was the life and soul of the party.
“Our family is completely devastated, and the pain of losing him this way is something no family should ever have to bear. Our lives have been shattered, and we are completely lost without him.”
Brandon was a big football fan and supporter of Liverpool Football Club. He was also a local referee in grass roots football.
In a post on social media, a spokesperson for Durham Football Association said: “Durham County Football Association is saddened to learn the passing of one of our referees, Brandon Grimes.
“Brandon officiated in matches throughout the grassroots game and will be a big miss to football. Our condolences go out to Brandon’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
You can donate to Brandon and his family’s cause at https://www.gofundme.com/f/brandon-grimes-bring-our-boy-home?