LOUISVILLE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Brayden Tennyson was supposed to be celebrating his third birthday at Disney World on Tuesday. Instead, his family gathered in Louisville to say goodbye.
The Jefferson County toddler was shot and killed Sunday in Kissimmee, Florida, just before his family could get inside their Airbnb.
The family had traveled from Louisville for a Disney World vacation to celebrate his birthday.
A 4-year-old relative entered the car where Brayden was waiting and found an unsecured, unholstered handgun inside the vehicle.
On Tuesday — what would have been his third birthday — family members, friends, and neighbors gathered at 1314 McBride St. in Louisville for a balloon release.
Many of the balloons read “Happy Birthday” or displayed the number three. The family wore matching Toy Story shirts — outfits meant for Magic Kingdom.
“He was someone to hug on when your times was down. He will always make you happy. We miss Brayden. Today is his birthday,” said Piahca Nelson, Brayden’s cousin.
Jovanna Bynes, another cousin, described the little boy she knew.
“He loved to run. He loved outside. He loved to play with his sister, Sariah. When you see his mom, you see him. So yes, rather wrapped around her legs,” Bynes said.
Melaijah Hilton, a relative, remembered his spirit simply.
“He loved his mama, cleaned on his mama. He loved to play,” Hilton said.
Nelson said the family has been focused on supporting Brayden’s parents through the unimaginable loss.
“We’ve been leaning on the parents more than anything. They need us more than we can explain,” Nelson said. “We’re all just one big family and we’re trying to hold each other together.”
As balloons floated into the sky, a prayer was offered for Brayden.
“Heavenly Father, we come before you today with heavy hearts, but we thank you for your beautiful gift of this precious child’s life. Thank you for every smile, every laugh, every hug, and every memory that will forever live in our hearts.”
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Florida’s Department of Children and Families are investigating Brayden’s death.
Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon stressed the importance of gun safety during a news conference Monday, holding up a gun lock.
“This is so simple to put on, and it would stop that problem from happening,” Blackmon said. “If it can save one life, it’s worth that investment to us.”
Blackmon said charges will likely be brought in the case, but further discussion is needed before any decision is made.
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