A Heartbreaking Loss: 16-year-old Bryson Tragically Gunned Down Near His Baltimore Home, Yet Grandma's Messages Never Cease
Remembering Bryson, the 16-year-old taken too soon in Baltimore His loving grandmother finds solace in grief counseling as she copes with the unbearable void left by his absence Her heartfelt texts to him reflect the immense love and longing she carries in her heart
Editors Note: This content is a part of a series that highlights the tragic deaths of American youth due to gun violence, a prevalent cause of child mortality in the United States. For more information about this project, please refer to the article mentioned above.
"Hello, my dear grandson. Today, I began attending grief counseling sessions to assist me in dealing with your absence. My longing for you is immeasurable."
"Hello grandson, although you asked me not to cry, I cannot help but shed tears, Bryson, as my heart is deeply pained for you. I miss you immensely and it saddens me greatly that you are not with me."
"Dearest grandson, rest assured that YaYa is fiercely advocating for you, as you did not deserve the unfortunate circumstances that have befallen you."
Erica Colbert regularly sends text messages to her grandson, Bryson Hudson, on a daily basis. These texts consist of updates regarding his mother, Katika Travis, as well as his younger brother, Drake. Erica also mentions how she talks about Bryson to everyone and emphasizes how important he is to her.
Bryson, a curious and energetic child, grew up with the presence of his mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who is Erica Colbert's mother. When Travis, who was 19 years old at the time, discovered she was pregnant with Bryson, the three generations of women were residing together in Baltimore.
Upon seeing her grandson for the first time, Colbert claimed that he had a profound impact on her life. According to her, they lavished their extroverted boy with an abundance of love and affection, while also imparting upon him a contagious sense of humor. From the moment he was born until his tragic and senseless death this year, they consistently guided and nurtured him.
"He was very much the light of where he stepped," Colbert said.
Bryson Hudson, left, and his grandmother, Erica Colbert.
Courtesy Erica Colbert
Colbert now spends her days searching for answers to the questions surrounding her grandson's tragic death. She will never witness Bryson's high school graduation, nor experience the joy of seeing him with a girlfriend, wife, or children. According to Colbert, he will forever remain 16 years old.
Bryson, who had just turned 16 two months earlier, tragically lost his life in his hometown of East Baltimore on August 14. Shockingly, he was shot multiple times in broad daylight, merely two blocks away from his own residence. His grandmother sadly shared that Bryson was declared deceased approximately 11 minutes after being admitted to the hospital.
He passed away just two weeks before his scheduled start of his junior year at Digital Harbor High School, a Baltimore City public college preparatory high school for those interested in pursuing a career in technology. Bryson's mother had been planning to surprise him with driving lessons soon, according to Colbert. After graduation, Bryson had expressed his desire to travel the country.
According to state charging documents, Christopher McLean, 28, was charged in September with first- and second-degree murder in connection with Bryson's death. He also faces additional charges related to the shooting, including first-degree assault and attempted murder. When contacted by CNN, Robert D. Cole, an attorney for McLean, declined to comment on behalf of his client.
A 28-year-old man was also wounded in the shooting, police said. Its unclear whether Bryson was a bystander or targeted.
More about Bryson
Died August 14
Shot by a 28-year-old suspect on the 900 Block of North Broadway in northeast Baltimore, near his home, police said.
Christopher McLean, the suspect, is set to be arraigned on November 2, as confirmed by the office of the states attorney for Baltimore City.
As per the Gun Violence Archive, Bryson is one of over 1,400 children and teenagers who have lost their lives to gun violence in 2023. Firearms have overtaken motor vehicle accidents, which were previously the primary cause of death among American youth, and have become the leading cause of mortality for children and teens in America since 2020.
Colbert, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed his anguish, stating, "Rather than me having to face the heart-wrenching reality of reading his death certificate, he should be facing mine, indicating his cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds. This should not be our reality."
The grandmother winces each time she hears the statement, "He happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Where exactly was he supposed to be? Are we all constantly at the wrong place at the wrong time? He wasn't at the wrong place. He was in his own neighborhood," she argued.
The family jokester with a heart of gold
Bryson Hudson, as a child, playing the flute.
Courtesy Erica Colbert
Bryson's grandmother remarked that he had a knack for making jokes that would elicit belly-laughs just by being his authentic self. His natural warmth and outgoing nature also made it easier for even the more reserved children to feel comfortable and open up around him.
Colbert added that Bryson had a deep passion for dancing, and they frequently enjoyed dancing together.
But she misses his deep, full-bodied laughter the most.
"I just want to hear him laugh. He had such a unique laugh and we used to have such a good time," his grandmother said.
Furthermore, Bryson had a unique sense of style that centered around fashion. He took pleasure in expressing himself through his choice of clothing. His hair, according to Colbert, was particularly remarkable. Bryson's friends would often approach her, exclaiming, "YaYa, you must be aware that everyone desires to emulate Bryson's captivating hair."
However, above all his remarkable attributes, Bryson possessed an exceptionally kind and compassionate nature which earned him the reputation of having a "heart of gold."
Bryson Hudson
Courtesy Erica Colbert
Colbert laughed when she recalled his 15th birthday, when he asked her for a Louis Vuitton belt as a gift. Though it was expensive, she bought it for him anyway.
One day, she happened to see Bryson's friend sporting a belt that looked remarkably similar.
"Do you and your friend have the same belt?" Colbert asked Bryson, remembering the incident. "He replied, 'No, YaYa, I just lent it to him. We often share our belongings.'"
"He would always give a friend five dollars whenever he had ten," she said.
Colbert expressed how Bryson's friends are shattered by his absence. They had a shared upbringing and always seized the opportunity to commemorate each other's accomplishments. During their childhood, they engaged in football matches, while in their teenage years, they explored their passion for rapping and creating music videos.
Colbert stated that he was undoubtedly a beacon of positivity and that his friends and everyone gravitated towards him. It was evident to him that his daughter's house was the preferred gathering place for all the children.
However, there was a special bond between Bryson and his 12-year-old brother, Drake. Colbert affectionately described them as inseparable, always engaged in playful banter and constantly teasing one another.
Drake misses his brother, and it shows, she said.
Bryson Hudson, right, and his younger brother, Drake.
Courtesy Erica Colbert
Colbert stated that Drake opted to wear Bryson's sneakers to school, despite the fact that they were larger in size, as they were the only remaining item Drake could wear from Bryson's belongings.
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Bryson shared an exceptionally strong bond with his great-grandmother, along with his younger brother. Reminiscing about his childhood, Colbert revealed that losing his beloved "Granny" was one of the most challenging experiences he faced at such a tender age of 13.
Colbert shared that her grandson and mother had a unique and easy connection, despite their significant age difference. Whenever the entire family gathered, they would constantly share laughter and exchange whispered conversations. According to Colbert, they would deliberately seek reactions from others, as her mother had a playful and humorous personality. Passing on this trait, the grandson embraced it wholeheartedly.
In her messages to her grandson, Colbert expresses her longing for him to be with her and her belief that his Granny is watching over him.
"I wish you were here, but I take comfort in knowing that Granny is looking after you, Bryson. You are the most precious person to me, and not having you here leaves me feeling heartbroken."
"I miss you Grandson #1, wyd? Are you and Granny whispering?"
