Youth hockey coach with ‘infectious spirit’ shot and killed outside home, MN cops say
A father of two who coached youth hockey for seven years was shot and killed while confronting an attempted carjacker, his Minnesota widow said.
The fatal shooting happened around 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6, according to the Saint Paul Police Department. A neighbor called 911 following the shooting in a residential neighborhood.
Officers found the victim “suffering from apparent gunshot wounds,” and he was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. He was identified as Michael Brasel, 44. according to Twin Cities Crime Watch .
Police did not state what led to the shooting, but Brasel’s widow said he was confronting a person who was trying to break into her car.
“Never thought I would wake up to 3 gunshots, all of which hit Michael in the chest,” Hilary Brasel said in a Facebook post. “Never thought I would have to try to revive my husband with CPR while my boys are calling 911 and watched.”
It’s unclear who shot Brasel. Police said its investigators are working to determine “who is responsible for the death.”
Anyone with information, including potential surveillance video of the shooting, is asked to contact Saint Paul Police at 651-266-5650.
Brasel coached hockey in Roseville and Langford Park, his widow said. He had two sons, Oliver and Miles.
“Michael will always be remembered for his unwavering love for his children, his unbreakable bond with his wife Hilary, and his infectious spirit that touched the lives of everyone he met,” according to a GoFundMe. “He was a devoted coach who inspired and encouraged countless young athletes to achieve their full potential.”
Beckam Jones, who was on one of Brasel’s teams, said Brasel was one of his “all-time favorite hockey coaches.”
Minnesota Hockey offered its “deepest condolences” to Brasel’s family and Roseville hockey community.
Hilary Brasel said she and Michael Brasel were married for 23 years. She remembered him for his “sense of humor (and) giant love for his boys.”
“Can’t believe we have lost you to gun fire in our front yard,” she said in an Instagram post. “Your humor, love and light will forever guide us. We will love you forever.”
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