On July 12th, 2025, my best friend and father of my son unexpectedly passed away. That morning, I woke up to his sister posting her goodbyes on Facebook, and my life completely shattered. I instantly called Brandon’s Tia (aunt) to confirm the devastating news.

I never knew the experience of grief until I felt someone who I considered my soulmate leave this Earth. I cried and asked God why him. Brandon was on the lake with his family and went cliff jumping. Brandon thought this would be a thrilling rush, having done this before plenty of times. But this time, he wasn’t able to reach the surface of the water.

I know that God is merciful and loving and has paradise waiting for Brandon. My son, almost three-year-old Noah, whose birthday is on July 29th, will have to find ways to cope with the loss of his father as he grows into a man. As I am sitting here typing this out in Missouri, I am wishing that I could’ve been there. I wish that I could have been with Brandon. Noah and I will always remember the memories we made as a family. I will remember the memories we made before Noah came along and how we formed a bond for life.

Brandon was what everyone wanted in a best friend, someone to laugh with, someone to cry to. He was always there to pick me back up again when I had a fall and raise me up even higher when I felt on top of the world. And as a father, he would have dedicated everything to his son Noah. He was so excited to find out that Noah was going to pass on his last name, Rumpf, continuing his legacy.

Brandon now will be our guardian angel, protecting and loving us always.

I created this GoFundMe to assist with the funeral and memorial. Other proceeds from the GoFundMe will be invested into a trust fund for my son Noah.

Noah will have to live his life without a father. As his mother, I will tell amazing stories of Brandon and always remind him how much he was loved.

I love you, Brandon. Noah loves you, Brandon. We love you, Brandon. Always.