The family had traveled from Louisville for a Disney World vacation to celebrate his birthday. <\/p>\n
A 4-year-old relative entered the car where Brayden was waiting and found an unsecured, unholstered handgun inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday \u2014 what would have been his third birthday \u2014 family members, friends, and neighbors gathered at 1314 McBride St. in Louisville for a balloon release. <\/p>\n
Many of the balloons read \u201cHappy Birthday\u201d or displayed the number three. The family wore matching Toy Story shirts \u2014 outfits meant for Magic Kingdom.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/KZE6S2WDSVCUVCPXUZC7KDXCLU.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was someone to hug on when your times was down. He will always make you happy. We miss Brayden. Today is his birthday,\u201d said Piahca Nelson, Brayden\u2019s cousin.<\/p>\n
Jovanna Bynes, another cousin, described the little boy she knew.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe 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,\u201d Bynes said.<\/p>\n
Melaijah Hilton, a relative, remembered his spirit simply.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe loved his mama, cleaned on his mama. He loved to play,\u201d Hilton said.<\/p>\n
Nelson said the family has been focused on supporting Brayden\u2019s parents through the unimaginable loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been leaning on the parents more than anything. They need us more than we can explain,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cWe\u2019re all just one big family and we\u2019re trying to hold each other together.\u201d<\/p>\n
As balloons floated into the sky, a prayer was offered for Brayden.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeavenly Father, we come before you today with heavy hearts, but we thank you for your beautiful gift of this precious child\u2019s life. Thank you for every smile, every laugh, every hug, and every memory that will forever live in our hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Osceola County Sheriff\u2019s Office and Florida\u2019s Department of Children and Families are investigating Brayden\u2019s death. <\/p>\n
Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon stressed the importance of gun safety during a news conference Monday, holding up a gun lock.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is so simple to put on, and it would stop that problem from happening,\u201d Blackmon said. \u201cIf it can save one life, it\u2019s worth that investment to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blackmon said charges will likely be brought in the case, but further discussion is needed before any decision is made.<\/p>\n
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