Senior Kenny Bragg died in a house explosion on Dec. 30 near Whitmore Lake, Michigan, along with his parents and sister: Hope Bragg, Don Bragg and Elizabeth Bragg. Richard Pruden, Kenny’s grandfather, was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition. Kenny’s brother, Stephen Bragg, was also in the home during the explosion, but is in stable condition.

Kenny planned to graduate in April with a degree in anthropology. A talented and accomplished student, he worked on research with his professors and made the dean’s list multiple times.

News of Kenny’s death reached the Michigan Tech community a day after the explosion. Kenny was a dedicated member of the Huskies Pep Band. He played for four years and was the leader of the tenor saxophone section.

Michigan Tech’s Department of Student Affairs sent an email Wednesday to the student body with news of Kenny’s death as well as the passing of his parents, who were Tech graduates, and his sister.

The email also provided resources for grief counseling, saying, “During this time of loss, we are reminded of the importance of our connections to one another and to our community. Losing a student and member of our community is always difficult.”

In an email to the Pep Band, a student who worked closely with Kenny offered his condolences, writing, “There is absolutely nothing I can say to mend any of the heartache we feel at his loss.”

Authorities say that a fuel-air complication was likely what caused the house explosion that claimed the four lives and injured their cat. The house was destroyed, and debris was scattered over nearly 2 acres of property. Only the basement remained. No foul play is suspected.

The Bragg family who lived Arkansas was visiting Whitmore Lake for the holidays. Kenny’s parents had been working on various home improvement projects in the house, in hopes to retire there one day. An official release from the police department said an investigation is still continuing.

Several memorials are being held in honor of Kenny and the Bragg family. The Huskies Pep Band will be hosting a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Wednesday, near the Husky Statue in the center of Michigan Tech’s campus.

The Department of Social Sciences is collaborating with fellow students and friends to organize a slideshow with their favorite memories of Kenny, which will be shared with the Huskies Pep Band and Michigan Tech community.

A memorial service in honor of the Bragg family was held at Whitmore Lake High School last week.

A family member launched a GoFundMe page for both Richard Pruden and Stephen Bragg, Kenny’s grandfather and brother, who are receiving medical care for injuries sustained during the disaster. Pruden’s has raised nearly $20,000, and Bragg’s is near $50,000.

Members of the community may donate to Stephen and Richard’s GoFundMe pages in honor of Kenny.