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An 11-year-old boy who jumped into water in an attempt to save his 7-year-old sister Thursday night in southwest Charlotte died Friday morning, hospital officials said.
Randez Brown, a fifth-grader at Sedgefield Elementary School, had been rushed by Medic to Carolinas Medical Center with his sister, Shamiya Brown, after the incident near the Southside Homes community off South Tryon Street.
Shamiya Brown, a second-grader at Sedgefield Elementary, remains in intensive care Friday morning.
The siblings were among several children playing near a culvert along Davis Creek. That is near Interstate 77, not far from the football field at Marie G. Davis Military and Leadership Academy and between South Tryon Street and Barringer Drive.
Breanna Caldwell, who knows the victims, said the watery area has been a popular but dangerous draw for decades for children who live in nearby Southside homes. Several children were at the culvert hopping from rock to slippery rock when the boy and girl went under, she said.
"I've been down there," Caldwell said. "The water is sometimes rushing really fast out of the pipe. It's muddy and easy to get stuck, especially if you go too far."
The muddy area varies from ankle deep to more than 6 feet deep, said Charlotte fire Chief Jon Hannan, who said the area often floods after heavy rain.
Caldwell said the girl fell into the water, and her brother then jumped in to save her.
One child was recovered about 8 p.m., by the first team of firefighters to arrive at the scene, the fire chief said. The other child was recovered about 10 p.m. by the Fire Department's dive team.
A spokeswoman for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said Friday that grief counselors are at Sedgefield Elementary to meet with students and staff.
146 Entries
Love you bro I miss you!!!!
Elijah Barnes
Friend
January 1, 2023
I really MIss you bruh dang wish I could rewind what happen #LLR
Elijah Barnes
Friend
May 2, 2019
Listen Randez I miss you Like crazy I'm sorry man I wish I would've just help you I regret that day for the rest of my life Im sorry man
Elijah Barnes
February 22, 2019
I miss you Randez aint forgot about you
#LLR
Elijah Barnes
Friend
October 19, 2017
randez your birthday was yesterday it would've been awesome if your were there i miss u
Elijah Barnes
March 25, 2015
randez i miss u so much u were like my best friend u will truly be miss randez jamario brown 3/24/02-3/21/14
Elijah Barnes
March 23, 2015
randez we came along way i miss u my friend i remember when u winked at me before u tried to save samiyah i love and miss u hero
Elijah Barnes
March 23, 2015
I miss u randez i should've help u it happen so quick u are a hero
Elijah Barnes
March 23, 2015
Randez was a great person he always loved me
September 24, 2014
It always hurts to hear of a young life being lost but this was truly a hero and will be missed greatly by many, Bless you and your family and may God give you the strength and courageous to go on, be blessed.
April 16, 2014
Samantha Smith
April 15, 2014
Your family will be in our prayers, we have lost four children and know the pain you are going through. We have a community memorial garden in uptown Charlotte where you can adopt a brick in your child's memory and is a place of Life to come and remember your child. We have families from 20 states and two other countries who have engraved bricks in our garden. This is our website WWW.OCMW.ORG If we can help you in any way, please email us.
jerry MUDGE
March 30, 2014
You will always be missed and loved dearly. You did all it could take to rescue your little sister. Now you are in a better place w. No worries, May God bless your family, continue to lift them up, and have the great support that they have. R.I.P hero.
Lakeitha Hunt & The Byers family
March 30, 2014
Kassia Holly
March 30, 2014
Randez you so much like your daddy (Ronald Jefferson ) will give the shirt off his back , my heart is so heavy cause I lost another piece of Ronald and that's so hard for me but, now I know you are finally back with your daddy & you will always be my hero love you so much that smile I will never forget it.you will never be forgotten
March 30, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss,my prayers are with you...r.i.p Ramdez
tulu
March 29, 2014
My heart hurts for your family, my son is his age though we don't know your family, I still am deeply saddened for your loss. May God be always at your side.
Tammy Jackson
March 29, 2014
Beautiful homegoing service. Powerful message. He's a hero!
Pamela Bowman
March 29, 2014
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies I know it hurts it just hurts so bad. Your family and friends have my deepest sympathies you have my pain my tears my prayers and my rage I dont know this family and I dont know why things like this happen I just wish there was something, anything I could do. God bless you all I will never forget the name Randez Brown.
ryan bell
March 29, 2014
Our hearts are heavy with grief in the loss Randez.
May God Bless the family.
Mae Wimbush
March 29, 2014
Prayers going up for the family and friends of the Miller's/Brown's/Black's...
Today is too hard for me...I will forever pray for you all.
Debra Moore
March 29, 2014
Gone to soon! Wishing ur family peace and ur sister a speedy recovery.
Beverly Dulin Massey
March 29, 2014
Randez you will be deeply missed!!! You will always be our Southside hero!!!! To GOD be the Glory!!!!!!
Demeatras Killian
March 29, 2014
Just like Jesus he gave that his little sister could live. No Greater Love than this that a man would lay down his life.Family may you find Sweet Peace in the days ahead you are in our Prayers.
Marilyn Withers and family
March 29, 2014
May you Rest in Peace little Angel
D O'Leary
March 28, 2014
I am truly saddened to know that Randez is gone, I noticed him because of his smile and kind presence. He gave his life trying to save his sister and for that the word says he will be honored. God will love him now and forever. "RIP baby boy"
Vanessa Polk
March 28, 2014
You were truly a good fella and we will miss you. R.I.P.
Jackie McCullough & Tom Sykes Rec Center
March 28, 2014
My your family have Peace and Serenity in your time of bereavement, your Family is in our Prayers, May God Bless and be with each and everyone of you.From my Family to your Family! God Is In Control!!
Etta Rainer and Hudson Family
March 28, 2014
Offering my sincere sympathies to the family of Randez. As a previous "Team Mom" for the Charlotte Warriors, I have fond memories of him. Randez was always respectful and displayed a smile that could warm anyone's heart. He will truly be missed.
Tasha Sharpe
March 28, 2014
When I heard of Randez had died trying to save his sister my heart broke. Such a loving and unselfish act. May you find comfort from the memories you hold dear to your heart of this wonderful little boy. May you find comfort from Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, A help in times of distress."
Teresa
March 28, 2014
So sorry this has happen. Praying for your family. I miss you all dearly.
Calandra Cruel
March 28, 2014
The true definition of the word HERO, you will be greatly missed, and I know even though you're not here, your siblings have a great guardian angel watching over them.
Kimberly Woods
March 28, 2014
Prayers for the entire family.
Andrea B.
March 28, 2014
Nothing but Luv and Sorrow for this young man's family!who lost his life in order to save his sister life not thinking of self just doing what God put him here to do to Help Protect and Serve his family. I luv you Randez and dont even know you! they say it takes a village just think of me as one of the Mother in the village! RIP my sweet child RIP
Rhonda Beatty
March 28, 2014
So sorry for this family's loss. Such a brave young man. My thoughts and prayers are with this family. May God bless you all. RIP little angel!!!
Fredda Culp
March 28, 2014
earth has no sorrow that haven cant heal young man if you could be defined as anything you have been defined as a hero because of what you did and how you did and because that your family celebrates the awsome short life you lived but ...to the family keep leaning on JESUS for he know what it is that you dont know and he's a comforter when no one else is im sorry for your lost and pray GOD'S grace and mercy will wrap its self around you and hold you tight and ensure you that everything is alright
March 28, 2014
Sorry for your lost he's a hero
Laverne Gillcrest
March 28, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you Stephanie and Ms. Dolly. God bless your entire family during this time. Rest peacefully Randez.
Vontina McGrant
March 28, 2014
Our prayers are with you. May your precious memories of Randez bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Jones Family Romans 15:33
March 28, 2014
May God bless you all during this time. Weeping may endure but there is comfort in knowing the sacrafice that Randez made for his sister.
March 28, 2014
My prayers are with your family during this difficult time i pray that they all find comfort in knowing you are with God. You are truly a hero.
Attiyah Jackson
March 28, 2014
Rest In Paradise Randez. I didn't know you personally, but I know I can call you a HERO!! Keep smiling in Heaven!!
Shaletha Digsby
March 28, 2014
Rest in Paradise.
Karen A. Robinson
March 28, 2014
RIP Sweet Angel
Lakia Gee
March 28, 2014
it might be to late but rip you were a bro to me i knew u since 3rd grade R.I.P
March 27, 2014
My heart goes out to Stephanie and the family. She is all about her lovely children. My prayers ate with you and your family at this difficult time
Kimberly Hoyle
March 26, 2014
My heart,and prayers go out to my family.I never got to meet Randez or Samiyah.I've never met the other brothers.Goodbye Randez,you'll always be in my heart!!! Your great-great Uncle!!
Sam Black
March 25, 2014
There is no greater pain, than the passing of your child - -
Please know that I have and will continue to keep the family of Randez Brown in my prayers. Remember his smile, his laugh, his hugs & kisses, the true blessing that he was while on earth and will always be in your hearts.
Also praying that Samiyah will make a full recovery.
With deepest sympathies - - -
Amelia
Amelia McGirt
March 25, 2014
RIP Randez you are a hero to me i us to see you all the time i walk pass the court in you would be playing basketball with your little brother RIP Randez, Samiyah is in my prayers...
Cheyenne Fairley
March 25, 2014
Happy Birthday
yolanda williams
March 25, 2014
A brave young man died trying to save his sister you are such a hero and I know your sister will make it through this and be so proud of you. ..RIP baby I know you will be missed
yolanda williams
March 25, 2014
Words cannot express how heavy my heart is today filled with grief but also filled with love. May God bless you all in your time of grievement
shawanda ray
March 25, 2014
Rip little soldier you will be truly missed happy birthday.
Tasha Sturdivant
March 24, 2014
My heart goes out to the Brown Family...you raised a young man that have touched many lives. My payers are with you .
Dana B.
March 24, 2014
God only calls the best home...Randez touched a lot of lives.
Carolina Rollers MC will be supporting the family during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you all
Booze (Carolina Roller MC)
March 24, 2014
Although I only knew Randez for the few months I've been at Sedgefield Elementary, he will have an everlasting impact on my life. He is a hero to us all.
Heather Lucas
March 24, 2014
RIP. Randez. You are a true angle and sweet child.missing you already
Johnnie. Harry and Barry Williams
March 24, 2014
God only calls the best home...Randez touched a lot of lives.
Carolina Rollers MC will be supporting the family during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you all
Dana Benson
March 24, 2014
Tears from bennettsville primary school
March 24, 2014
You didn't think twice about saving your little sister. You have showed nothing but courage. Randez you will be missed tremendously by all..
Danette Evans
March 24, 2014
Happy Birthay to you Randez Brown. You are by far one of the best heros I will ever know.. I will never forget you. You will truly be missed!
Danette Evans
March 24, 2014
Beautiful beautiful boy . Put his little sister before his own safety . A true big brother . Your mummy must be heartbroken but very proud of her gorgeous little man .
Tracey Laing
March 24, 2014
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. ST JOHN 15:13
March 24, 2014
So sad to loose one so young - No greater love could he have shown for his sister. So sorry for the loss of this young man.
March 24, 2014
Our deepest condolences go out to your family. I pray Samiyah makes full recovery. You are truly a Hero and your presence will be miss on your Basketball Team, May God Bless You,
RIP
South Piedmont Heat
March 24, 2014
I did not know the two students. My prayers are with the sister and brother along with the family. May God be with them during this time.
After School Enrichment Program.
Oneita Williams
March 24, 2014
As a former Southside resident, this breaks my heart. I am so sorry for the family, may God give them strength as only He can. My prayers are with them. . .
M. Frazier Blakney
March 24, 2014
Happy Birthday Randez !!
May you Rest in Peace... God Bless the Miller/Brown Family.
T. Moore
March 24, 2014
Happy Birthday Randez
RIP
Sedgefield Elem Cafeteria Staff
March 24, 2014
Randez exemplified the greatest sacrifice any human can make. I am praying that God comfort you as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
March 24, 2014
Sorry for ya loss god needed him for a special task cause he's a hero
Carla Nicholson
March 24, 2014
Randez brown you are hero for trying to save your sister you are in heaven with The Lord Laverne camps
March 23, 2014
MS DEE HUNTER
March 23, 2014
My prayers are for your daughter and family. Altough I do not know him, I am so proud of Randez and how brave he was! She could not have asked for a better brother.
Gracie & Katie Williams
March 23, 2014
My prayers goes out to The Miller Family. I'm sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your daughter I pray to God to heal your baby.
Chrystal Nash- Rankin
March 23, 2014
RIParadise Angel
Ros Furlow
March 23, 2014
Rest in peace lil hero!!! God bless you and your family!! Watch over your lil sister as an angel, just like you did on earth!!!
Wendy Overbey
March 23, 2014
So sorry for your loss, what a hero.
March 23, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. From my mom, Effie and me, I send our sincerest condolences to the family.
Tanya Elder
March 23, 2014
Randez was an angel when I taught him at Sedgefield. I am praying for his sister and family.God took his angel home.
Mary Hardin
March 23, 2014
My prayers are with the family!
Kevin Ford
March 23, 2014
God bless and keep you during this time. Much love
Kirk Brittain
March 23, 2014
Randez There are some students that I will remember forever and you are one of them. I will always remember your smile, the way you always wanted to help me in the media center, and especially the way you always watched over your younger brother and sister. Until we meet again.
Alisa Combs
March 23, 2014
Randez, we were next door neighbors and you were probably the only kid my mom didn't mind my brother hanging around. You were so sweet and you will be missed! We all loved you honey! I will never forget you, I just wish I could say goodbye, we all do....I'm praying for your sister and your family as we speak! Have fun in heaven buddy, I'll see you one day.....
Teasha Adams
March 23, 2014
Rest in peace randez u was funny and cool you are in a better place see you wen I get there
Asa Kirby
March 22, 2014
People will say that people should not have favorites but as Randez's Media Coordinator I can tell you that Randez was one of my favorite students. He had a wonderful spirit about him; always joking and loved helping me in the Media Center. My days won't be the same without him. My memories of him will always be of laugher, smiles and of a hero. My thoughts, hugs, love and prayers are with Randez's family, and our school family.
Alisa Combs
March 22, 2014
Love you and will miss you nephew.
Roderick Hart
March 22, 2014
The life you gave was not a loss but an inspiration to others to be alert to help those in need!
Debra Bentley
March 22, 2014
MY PRAYERS GOING UP FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. SUCH A TRAGEDY THAT WORDS CAN NOT EXPLAIN..R.I.P RANDEZ GODS LITTLE HERO
STEPHANIE LITTLE
March 22, 2014
So sad. I had Randez when he was in kindergarten. He was a sweet boy.
Jill Douds
March 22, 2014
My deepest condolences go out to your family at this time. I pray Samiyah makes a full recovery and regains full health. Just know that you will see your son again , we will all see our loved ones we have lost one day ! I pray that God comforts and strengthens you and your family.
Kim V
March 22, 2014
Rip randez!..and god bless you sweet angel
Coleen Jones
March 22, 2014
prayers for the soul of Randez and the full recovery of his sister, Samiyah. blessing on their family members that they will find strength in each other and their faith.
Linda Medina
March 22, 2014
My son Diego is in Randez's class at Sedgefield Elementary and though he is very upset about the loss of his friend he has never been more proud of anyone. What a hero. Fly High Randez RIP
Heather Westerfield
March 22, 2014
You will be greatly missed since so many loved you. Your courage, bravery, sweetness and kindness will always be a reminder to us of what a wonderful person you were. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know you, teach you, and love you. May you rest peacefully.
Victoria Watkins
March 22, 2014
This is such a tragedy, but he has shown that he is & was a Soldier in God's Army. I'm so hurt that he wasn't able 2 fulfill his own life to try an save his baby sister. He is a "Hero" to sacrifice himself. May Randez soar with the Angels & Pray his precious sister pulls through Hope this doesn't cause a psycological dilemma
on baby girl. I am praying for the family! May God comfort the Family!
Deidi Williams
March 22, 2014
Praying for Shamiyah and the family. GOD bless you.
Nathifa Moore
March 22, 2014
To the family,
May GOD keep your family uplifted during this time of grief. Words can't express how truly sorry I am to have heard of your loss.
I am a mother of 4 and can't imagine such a loss. Only GOD knows your pain. Trust and hold onto his every word to get you through this time of bereavement.
My family will keep your family in prayer. May GOD bless you all.
Nathifa Moore
March 22, 2014
Love you randez we will miss you.
Bostic Family
March 22, 2014
May the sweet Love of Our Lord and Savior give you strength doing this most difficult time. My heart is so heavy for the love ones of Randez but what a brave young man to give his life for his sister, I know that he is resting with the LORD! I'm praying for complete healing in his sister's life. My heart goes out to all of you. Love and Peace!!
DeVera Johnson
March 22, 2014
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