By Admin In an age when young people are expected to excel in academics, lead in extracurriculars, and manage emotional well-being with grace, stories like that of Brooks Prejean cut through the noise with sobering power. Brooks, a gifted student, organ recovery technician, and fraternity brother, left behind not only a community in mourning but also a call to action—one that urges compassion, awareness, and care for those who appear strong on the surface but may be struggling within.
Born on June 3, 2003, and tragically passing on September 15, 2024, Brooks lived a short yet impactful life. He was a beloved son, loyal friend, and a model of resilience, whose legacy now stands as both inspiration and warning.
Humble Beginnings in Lafayette, Louisiana
Brooks grew up in Lafayette, a tight-knit city where community and family are pillars of daily life. From a young age, it was clear he was no ordinary child. Teachers, family friends, and neighbors recall a curious and kind boy—quiet yet thoughtful, strong in character, and always quick to help.
He enrolled at the Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA) in the third grade, where he began to shape the foundation of his future. ESA is known for fostering academic excellence and community responsibility, values that Brooks internalized deeply. His achievements, both academic and personal, started early and never waned.
Academic Brilliance and Leadership at ESA
Throughout middle and high school, Brooks stood out not just for his grades but for the way he carried himself. He was the kind of student who made learning contagious—his dedication evident, yet never arrogant.
He consistently earned a spot on ESA’s Honor Roll and Headmaster’s List, a testament to both his intellect and discipline. But academics weren’t his only domain. Brooks was known to participate in student leadership, athletics, and school-wide service initiatives.
What made him unique, however, was the balance he maintained. He was as comfortable in the science lab as he was on the field or in student council meetings. Teachers noted his empathy; classmates admired his calm presence. For Brooks, success wasn’t about competition—it was about contribution.
A New Chapter: Life at Louisiana State University (LSU)
Upon graduating from ESA in 2021, Brooks took his passion for science and service to Louisiana State University (LSU), where he pursued a degree in Biology/Biological Sciences. His aim? To become a healthcare professional—possibly a physician—capable of making direct, meaningful change in people’s lives.
At LSU, Brooks joined Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), a fraternity known for its commitment to leadership, scholarship, and brotherhood. In Pike, Brooks found a second family. His fraternity brothers described him as “the guy who always showed up”—for events, for conversations, and for those who simply needed a friend.
He also found work outside the classroom that perfectly aligned with his mission. He became an Organ Recovery Technician for Southern Eye Bank in Metairie, Louisiana. The job required precision, professionalism, and profound empathy. Brooks, according to his coworkers, brought all three in abundance. He approached his responsibilities with reverence, recognizing the humanity behind every procedure.
A Gentle Spirit with an Unseen Burden
From the outside, Brooks’s life seemed exemplary: academic achievement, promising career prospects, meaningful friendships, and family support. But like many high-achieving students in high-pressure environments, he wrestled silently with his mental health.
His death by suicide on September 15, 2024, was a shattering moment for everyone who knew him. Friends, faculty, fraternity brothers, and colleagues were blindsided. For a young man who embodied strength, kindness, and service, the end came not from failure but from a quiet, invisible war he had been fighting alone.
He died on the LSU campus, in a tragic and highly public manner. In an instant, his life was lost—but the impact of his memory had only just begun.
Mourning a Bright Light
The days following Brooks’s death were filled with shock, grief, and reflection. Vigils were held at LSU and ESA. Hundreds attended his funeral at Asbury United Methodist Church in Lafayette. His family and friends spoke about his warmth, his humor, his deep sense of duty, and his rare ability to truly listen.
The GoFundMe campaign launched shortly after, titled “Remembering Brooks: A Light That Shines On”, quickly surpassed its fundraising goal, gathering over $27,800 from nearly 600 contributors. People gave not just money but memories—stories of how Brooks had helped them through difficult times, of late-night talks, and small acts of kindness that now meant everything.
His obituary, published across Louisiana news outlets, painted a portrait of a young man who “lived to give, to serve, and to inspire,” and those words were not poetic exaggerations—they were fact.
The Professional Legacy: Compassion in Action
Brooks’s work as an organ recovery technician is perhaps one of the most underappreciated yet heroic roles in healthcare. It is emotionally and technically demanding, and it requires individuals to treat each case with dignity and urgency. Brooks not only rose to the occasion—he made it his mission.
His colleagues remember him as meticulous, respectful, and passionate. Every donor Brooks worked with was treated like family; every procedure carried the weight of significance. In this quiet, behind-the-scenes role, Brooks changed dozens of lives—giving others sight, hope, and time.
A Wake-Up Call: Mental Health in College Communities
Brooks’s death did not just affect those who knew him—it resonated across student communities facing similar pressures. LSU students began rallying for more proactive mental health services. ESA held open forums about emotional resilience. Organizations both local and national began spotlighting Brooks’s story as a case study in the urgent need for mental health awareness among youth.
Students today are burdened by more than just textbooks. They’re navigating debt, future uncertainty, social media pressure, and, often, perfectionism. Brooks’s passing opened many eyes to the reality that even the strongest-looking individuals may be silently struggling.
His story has become a rallying cry—not only to check on our loved ones, but to build structures of support that don’t wait until it’s too late.
A Lasting Legacy
In honor of Brooks’s legacy, ESA established a memorial scholarship to support students who embody his traits: academic passion, community spirit, and a desire to serve others. LSU’s biology department has also discussed hosting annual mental health workshops in his name.
More than just institutional gestures, these actions signify that Brooks’s life—though tragically brief—was one of true consequence. He left behind a standard of kindness, humility, and generosity that will echo for generations.
Words from Those Who Knew Him
“He was a friend to everyone. He didn’t see status or popularity—just people.” — Fraternity brother, Pi Kappa Alpha
“Brooks never had to be the loudest in the room. His presence was felt in the way he made others feel comfortable and valued.” — ESA faculty member
“He worked with us like someone twice his age. But what stood out most was his heart—Brooks was truly one of a kind.” — Colleague, Southern Eye Bank
In Memory, In Movement
Brooks Prejean was more than a student. More than a son, a friend, or a coworker. He was a force of good—quiet, steady, and powerful.
His legacy now lives in the eyes of those he helped see again. In the brothers and classmates he comforted. In the conversations his passing has sparked around the country.
His story is a hard one. It hurts to read and harder still to write. But it’s necessary—because if his life teaches us anything, it’s this:
Success means little without self-care. And behind every strong face, there may be a soul in need.
Let us not just remember Brooks but carry forward his values: compassion, excellence, and genuine human connection.
Final Tribute from Prime Headlines
At Prime Headlines, we believe every story is more than news—it’s a chance to create meaning. In honoring Brooks Prejean, we share not just his journey, but a mission to foster empathy, awareness, and kindness in every corner of our communities.
May his memory be a blessing. May his legacy be a light.