On Monday, February 13, 2023, Michigan State University students and former Little League® players, Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner, tragically lost their lives as the result of gun violence. They were just 20 years old.
Brian played several seasons in Grosse Pointe Park (Michigan) Little League, and Alexandria played in the Clawson (Michigan) Youth Baseball and Softball Little League.
A graduate of Grosse Point South High School in 2021, Brian was a sophomore Business student at Michigan State (MSU), and President of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
A 2020 graduate of Clawson (Michigan) High School, Alexandria was a junior in MSU’s natural sciences program, studying integrated biology and anthropology forensics.
“It is with heavy hearts and sorrow that we confront these senseless deaths, yet each of their memories live on through those who knew and loved them: their family and friends,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “We at Little League International echo the sentiments shared by many by offering our deepest condolences and prayers to all those mourning these devastating losses.”
A third victim, Arielle Diamond Anderson, 19, also died from gunshot wounds, while five others were injured when a gunman entered MSU’s Berkey Hall and started shooting, before moving to the nearby Union building. Alexandria and Arielle died in the Berkey Hall shooting, while Brian was at the Union.
A recognized leader and very active within his community, Brian played many sports during his childhood, including several seasons in the Grosse Point Park Little League. Alexandria was also an accomplished youth athlete, playing basketball, volleyball, and softball.
Brian is survived by his parents, Sean and Mia, and brother, Micaela. Alex is survived by her parents, Ted and Nancy; brother, TJ; and sister, Charlotte (Charlie).
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, Brian and Alex were laid to rest in separate memorial services.