Brian Fraser was a leader.
From sports teams to church programs, fraternities to classrooms, Fraser was loved. And those who knew him felt his impact.
“His light shined bright with love, leadership and kindness in the classroom, athletics and within the St. Paul community,” the St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church posted on its Facebook on Tuesday afternoon.
The church cited an eighth grade essay of Fraser’s, which, according to the church, ended like this:
“Even though my friends and I are going our different ways, I will never forget them and the memories we shared at St. Paul.”
Fraser was special, the church wrote. And he was tragically lost “far too soon.”
On Monday evening, a gunman opened fire on Michigan State University’s campus, killing three students and critically injuring five others. Fraser, a sophomore at the university and Grosse Pointe native, was one of the slain students. Arielle Anderson, of Harper Woods, and Alexandria Verner, of Clawson, were also killed.
Fraser graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School in 2021. He was an athlete in lacrosse, swimming and diving, and baseball.
“Brian had an infectious smile and sense of humor that could light up the pool deck and bring laughter to the entire team,” the school’s swimming and diving team posted on Facebook.
From Detroit Catholic:
Catholic leaders in the state of Michigan reacted Tuesday to the news of a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University with a mixture of shock, sorrow and a pledge to pray for and accompany victims.
As news of the incident spread early Tuesday, Lansing Bishop Earl A. Boyea expressed solidarity with the community and with first responders.
“A dreadfully dark day in East Lansing. May the love of Almighty God restore health to the injured; sustain those caring for them; bestow solace on those who mourn and eternal rest to those who were killed,” Bishop Boyea tweeted early Tuesday. “The Catholic community is praying that they rest in peace.”
Vernor, a junior at Michigan State, was the daughter of parishioners at Guardian Angels Parish in Clawson, according to a Facebook post from the parish.
“She was a bright student and leader, tremendous athlete, and kind friend,” the parish said in the post.
Deacon Christopher Stark of Guardian Angels led the parish community in a virtual rosary Tuesday night, and a three-night candlelight vigil was to take place for Vernor and the grieving community on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Clawson City Park.
