Eric Church’s Brother Brandon Dead at 36
Eric Church's brother Brandon died on Friday (June 29), the country star has shared via a note to his fan club, the Church Choir. The Boot has confirmed his death with a member of Eric Church's management team. Brandon Church was 36 years old.
Kenneth Church, Eric and Brandon Church's father, tells TMZ that his son suffered a seizure at his home in Granite Falls, N.C., and then suffered a second one while being transported to the hospital. Kenneth Church says his son had been having seizures in recent years, and a source in law enforcement tells TMZ that investigators do not believe foul play was involved in his death.
Eric Church's fans may recognize his brother's name: Early on in the country artist's career, Brandon Church sometimes performed with his brother; readers can press play above to see a circa-2008 performance of the Band's "The Weight," during which Brandon Church played guitar in his brother's band. AllMusic.com also lists Brandon Church as a co-writer of Church's songs "How 'Bout You" and "Without You Here."
The Church family has established the Brandon E. Church Memorial Scholarship Fund in his memory. They are asking that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Brandon Church "pay forward a gift that will keep on giving to others through furthering their education."
"The Brandon E. Church Memorial Scholarship Fund will be used to bless others and honor a benevolent life," a statement on the donation page for the scholarship fund reads. "Thank you for showing your love and support to the Church family."
As of publication time on Tuesday afternoon (July 3), nearly $16,000 had been raised for the scholarship fund, by 60 contributors.
The Brandon E. Church Memorial Scholarship Fund donation page remembers Brandon Church as a "beloved son, brother, father and friend." He is survived by, among others, his parents, Ken and Rita; his famous brother; and a daughter, McKenzie.
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