A Promising Life Cut Short: The Story of Brooks Prejean
Brooks Michael Prejean, a name now resonating deeply within the hearts of many in Lafayette and the broader Louisiana State University (LSU) community, was more than just a student. He was a scholar, an athlete, a friend, a brother, a mentor, and a passionate advocate for those around him. Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Brooks stood out from an early age for his intellect, warmth, and relentless determination to help others. His death by suicide in September 2024 came as a shock to those who knew him, highlighting the growing crisis of mental health among youth and college students in America. What makes Brooks’s story even more compelling is the legacy he left behind—not only through his achievements but through the conversations and awareness his passing has sparked. This article takes a closer look at his life, his contributions, and how his memory continues to inspire positive change.
Academic Brilliance Rooted in Community and Character
Brooks began his academic journey at the Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA), a school known for its academic rigor and holistic student development. At ESA, Brooks excelled both in the classroom and on the athletic field. He was a proud member of both the baseball and basketball teams, known not just for his athletic skills but for his sportsmanship and team spirit. More importantly, he was a high-achieving student, recognized with honors such as the National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society memberships—accolades reserved for students of exceptional academic merit and character.
Teachers and mentors from ESA recall Brooks as a natural leader—someone who led by example, was generous with his time, and always had a kind word for peers and faculty alike. His graduation from ESA in 2021 was marked with great pride and expectation, as he prepared to take his talents to the collegiate level at LSU.
Life at LSU: Scholar, Leader, and Servant
Upon enrolling at LSU, Brooks chose to major in Biology—a decision driven by his desire to help others through a future career in medicine. His academic performance at LSU was nothing short of extraordinary. He consistently made the Dean’s List and President’s Honor Roll, and he was the recipient of prestigious awards such as the Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award and the Louisiana Tiger Legacy Superior Award. These accolades reflected not just his intelligence but his tenacity and commitment to achieving long-term goals.
In addition to his academic success, Brooks was deeply involved in campus life. He joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he found brotherhood and took on leadership responsibilities that reflected his organizational skills and compassion. Brooks also served in the LSU Student Government as Assistant Director of Student Outreach, where he worked to ensure that students’ voices were heard and their needs were met. He was committed to advocacy, service, and creating an inclusive and responsive environment at LSU for all students.
A Heart for Service: Work Beyond the Classroom
Brooks’s desire to make a tangible difference extended far beyond campus life. He worked as an Organ Recovery Technician at the Southern Eye Bank in Metairie, Louisiana. In this emotionally challenging role, Brooks played a crucial part in the process of organ and tissue recovery, helping restore sight and provide life-saving transplants to patients in need. His colleagues spoke highly of his professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to this significant work.
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He also volunteered at The Hospice of Baton Rouge, where he assisted patients and families through some of their most vulnerable moments. This type of work is not easy; it requires emotional resilience, sensitivity, and a deeply ingrained sense of purpose—all of which Brooks possessed in abundance. Whether he was helping someone regain their sight through his technical skills or simply sitting beside a patient in their final days, Brooks showed a level of emotional intelligence and kindness that is rare and deeply needed.
Tragedy and Heartbreak: The Day the Light Dimmed
Despite all outward signs of success, happiness, and stability, Brooks Prejean died by suicide on September 15, 2024. The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the LSU campus, his hometown of Lafayette, and the broader community of friends and colleagues who knew him. His death is a sobering reminder that mental health struggles often go unnoticed and unspoken, especially among high-achieving individuals who are seen as pillars of strength.
The silence and stigma around mental health have often kept people like Brooks from seeking help, even when it is most desperately needed. This tragedy has opened the door for meaningful conversations around mental health, particularly among college students who are juggling academics, work, social pressures, and sometimes trauma or personal challenges.
Honoring His Legacy: A Community Comes Together
In the aftermath of Brooks’s passing, the community he left behind came together in powerful ways to honor his life. A GoFundMe campaign titled “Remembering Brooks: A Light That Shines On” raised more than $27,000 in support of his family and mental health awareness efforts. The campaign served not only as a testament to the love and admiration so many felt for Brooks but also as a call to action. The funds raised were used to support mental health initiatives and to create lasting tributes to Brooks’s life and values.
Additionally, LSU awarded him a posthumous Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, recognizing the excellence he maintained throughout his college career and ensuring that his educational journey was honored, even in death. His fraternity, student organizations, and school officials all joined in remembering him not only for his achievements but for the goodness and compassion he radiated every day.
The Mental Health Conversation: Why Brooks’s Story Matters
Brooks’s death has done more than bring grief; it has ignited a crucial conversation about mental health. His story is not isolated. Thousands of young adults in the United States grapple with depression, anxiety, burnout, and suicidal thoughts, often without adequate support. Universities across the country are now being called upon to do more—to provide better counseling services, to create peer-led support systems, and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
By sharing Brooks’s story, we shed light on the fact that success and mental health struggles can coexist. That no one, no matter how strong or accomplished, is immune to pain. Brooks’s life is now a beacon, encouraging institutions, families, and individuals to look deeper, to ask more questions, and to offer more support.
Conclusion: A Light That Still Shines
Though Brooks Prejean’s life ended far too soon, his impact continues to resonate. From Lafayette to Baton Rouge, in hospital rooms and on college campuses, his memory endures. Through academic excellence, community service, and an unwavering commitment to others, he lived a life of purpose and compassion. His legacy now challenges us to build a world where mental health is prioritized and no one feels alone in their struggles.
Remembering Brooks is not just about mourning his loss—it’s about honoring his life by making changes that will protect and uplift others. It’s about ensuring that his story doesn’t end in tragedy, but continues to inspire hope, connection, and healing.
FAQs
Q: Who was Brooks Prejean?
A: Brooks Prejean was a Lafayette native and Biology major at LSU known for his academic excellence, community service, and compassionate character. He passed away by suicide in September 2024.
Q: What was Brooks Prejean involved in at LSU?
A: He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, served in student government, and consistently achieved high academic honors.
Q: How did the community respond to Brooks’s passing?
A: A successful GoFundMe campaign was launched, LSU awarded him a posthumous degree, and many in the community began speaking out about the importance of mental health awareness.
Q: What work did Brooks Prejean do outside of school?
A: He worked as an Organ Recovery Technician and volunteered with hospice care, roles that reflect his commitment to helping others.
Q: What is the takeaway from Brooks Prejean’s story?
A: Brooks’s life underscores the need for greater mental health support, empathy, and open conversations, especially among youth and students.
