Colin Brown. Photo: Affton Americans Ice Hockey Facebook

• High school hockey player Colin Brown, 16, died days after being “shot by an apparent stray bullet while riding in a car with a family member” on Saturday, Nov. 23
• Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School in St. Louis — where the victim was a student — shared several tributes to the late teenager on social media
• “No tip or piece of information is too small. Every little bit helps us bring the person or persons responsible to justice,” police said in a news release, urging anybody with information on the shooting to come forward

A 16-year-old hockey player has died days after being hit by an “apparent stray bullet” in Missouri while riding in a car with his dad.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Colin Brown — who was a student at Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School — had died that day following the “tragic shooting” on the I-55 near Loughborough on Saturday, Nov. 23.

“It’s with a heavy heart we announce Colin Brown, 16, has passed away after being shot on I-55,” police wrote on Facebook.

A message from Mitch McCoy, the police department’s director of public affairs and information, added, “Colin’s family has asked that I relay their deep appreciation to law enforcement, the hockey community and those who loved Colin,” per a news release on Nov. 27.

“They are asking for privacy at this time,” the post read.     

Colin Brown. The Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation

McCoy continued, “Colin – a beloved and talented hockey player – passed away but not before giving the ultimate gift of life. Earlier today, Colin’s organs were donated to other patients in desperate need.”

“This donation is an example of the type of young man Colin was and the kind of family he grew up in. Their steadfast commitment to serve those around them – should inspire us all,” he added.

Per the release, officers shared that Brown had been “shot by an apparent stray bullet while riding in a car with a family member.”

“The driver of the vehicle told dispatchers that someone shot into his SUV on the interstate and that his 16-year-old son had been shot. The man continued to drive to the area of 4th and Walnut where he was met by police and EMS,” the release stated.

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“Homicide detectives responded to the shooting and later located evidence of a shooting in the southbound lanes of I-55 near Loughborough,” police added, urging anyone who may have captured the shooting on home security cameras to come forward with any information.

“No tip or piece of information is too small. Every little bit helps us bring the person or persons responsible to justice,” McCoy said in the release.

Tributes have been pouring in for Brown following his death, with CBC High School sharing on Instagram on Nov. 27, “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts and that we share with our Christian Brothers College High School community the news of the tragic loss of our CBC brother, Colin Brown, a member of the Class of 2026 who was the victim of a random shooting this past weekend.”

“As our community grieves together, our prayers, support, and love are with his family and close friends during this most challenging time,” the post, which was shared alongside two photos, added.

“Colin joined our brotherhood this fall, transferring to CBC from his previous high school in O’Fallon, IL. He was a talented and dedicated student who was enrolled in Honors courses, and he was a valuable member of our CBC Varsity Hockey team,” the tribute included.

The school added alongside another Instagram photo of the victim’s hockey jersey and picture inside a church, “Forever in Our Hearts. We love you. Brothers for Life.”

A post on the St. Louis Blues hockey team’s X (formerly known as Twitter) account read, “Our hearts are broken after learning of the passing of Colin Brown, a CBC and Affton Americans hockey player that was tragically shot while riding home from his game on Nov. 23. Our thoughts are with Brown’s family, friends and teammates during this time.”

“Our organization will celebrate Colin’s life with a pre-game moment on Saturday vs. Philadelphia, and proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will benefit Colin’s family. #3strong #72strong,” the post concluded.

PEOPLE has reached out to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for additional information.