Remembering Brooks Prejean: A Life of Compassion and Impact

Admin 2 weeks ago

0 6 4 minutes read

The story of Brooks Prejean is one marked by compassion, dedication, and a deep commitment to helping others. As a student at Louisiana State University (LSU) and an Organ Recovery Technician at Southern Eye Bank, Brooks left a lasting legacy in both his academic and professional circles. Although his life was tragically cut short, his memory lives on through the countless individuals he touched and the values he embodied.

Table of Contents

A Life Rooted in Purpose

Born and raised in Louisiana, Brooks Prejean grew up with strong ties to his community. He attended the Episcopal School of Acadiana and graduated in 2021. Known for his intelligence and kindness, Brooks quickly became someone others looked up to.

Following high school, he enrolled at LSU to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biological Sciences. His academic journey at LSU was driven by a desire to make meaningful contributions in the field of life sciences. He was a dedicated student who excelled in his coursework and had plans for a promising future in healthcare.

During his college years, Brooks was also an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. His involvement in the fraternity allowed him to build lasting friendships and become part of a community that valued leadership, brotherhood, and service.

Professional Dedication at Southern Eye Bank

In addition to his studies, Brooks Prejean worked as an Organ Recovery Technician at the Southern Eye Bank in Metairie, Louisiana. This role allowed him to play a crucial part in the organ and tissue donation process. It was a job that aligned perfectly with his values—compassion, service, and making a difference in the lives of others.

His colleagues at Southern Eye Bank remember him for his diligence, respect for the process, and his care for donor families and recipients alike. Brooks approached every procedure with professionalism and empathy, understanding the emotional weight of the work he was doing.

Tragic Loss and Community Grief

On September 15, 2024, tragedy struck when Brooks Prejean died by suicide after jumping from a bridge. His passing sent shockwaves through LSU, Southern Eye Bank, and the wider Louisiana community. The loss of such a vibrant, ambitious, and caring individual left family, friends, and coworkers grappling with grief and unanswered questions.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain private, but his loss has brought attention to the urgent need for mental health awareness—especially among young adults in demanding academic or professional environments.

Raising Awareness on Mental Health

The death of Brooks Prejean has sparked important conversations about mental health. It highlights how critical it is to check in on those we love and ensure that support systems are in place. Brooks’ death was a painful reminder that even those who seem strong and dedicated may be struggling silently.

This tragic event serves as a call to action for educational institutions, workplaces, and families to destigmatize mental health care, promote open dialogue, and provide the necessary resources to those in need.

A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

Despite his untimely passing, the legacy of Brooks Prejean continues to resonate. A GoFundMe page was established shortly after his death to help support his family and honor his memory. The response was overwhelming—friends, family members, classmates, and strangers alike contributed in tribute to the life Brooks lived.

The messages shared across social media and donation platforms speak volumes. People remember Brooks as someone who brought light into every room, someone who always extended a helping hand, and someone whose heart was devoted to the well-being of others.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

At LSU, Brooks Prejean was more than just a name on the roster. He was a student who cared deeply about his studies and how his knowledge could be applied in meaningful ways. His professors and peers noted his curiosity, work ethic, and his ability to connect academic theory with real-world impact.

His interest in biological sciences wasn’t just a career choice—it was part of his mission to help others, whether through scientific discovery, healthcare, or organ recovery.

Remembering Brooks Prejean

Though he is no longer with us, the memory of Brooks Prejean remains alive in the lives he touched. His contributions to Southern Eye Bank, his presence at LSU, and his friendships within Pi Kappa Alpha are testaments to a life well-lived—though far too brief.

In honoring Brooks, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, the power of giving, and the necessity of mental health support. His life and legacy encourage us to be kinder, more attentive, and more supportive of the people around us.

FAQs

Q1: Who was Brooks Prejean?
A: Brooks Prejean was a Louisiana native, LSU student, and Organ Recovery Technician at Southern Eye Bank, known for his compassion, intelligence, and dedication to helping others.

Q2: What did Brooks Prejean study at LSU?
A: He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University.

Q3: What role did he have at Southern Eye Bank?
A: Brooks worked as an Organ Recovery Technician, contributing to life-saving organ donation procedures with professionalism and empathy.

Q4: How did Brooks Prejean die?
A: He tragically died by suicide on September 15, 2024, after jumping from a bridge.

Q5: What has been done in his memory?
A: A GoFundMe campaign was created to support his family, and his story has inspired increased awareness of mental health issues among students and professionals.