Help Support the Brake Family After an Unimaginable Tragedy

On the night of December 6th, our family experienced a tragedy we never could have prepared for. Johnny and Jimmy Brake fell through the ice on Island Lake when the ice suddenly gave way beneath them. Despite the quick response from multiple fire departments and cold-water rescue teams, both boys were unable to escape the freezing water.

Johnny was recovered later that evening, and Jimmy was found the following morning. Our hearts are shattered as we face the reality of losing two sons, two brothers, and a father in our family, all in one night.

A little bit about the boys-

Johnny loved to play hockey, loved to be outside and loved to explore and try new things. He was a great father, a good brother and friend to everyone he knew. He had a strong passion for music, as the whole brake family did. He started writing his own songs and making music, and jimmy quickly found the passion as well and started writing and making songs with Johnny.

Jimmy loved to do anything outside, loved to swim and loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially his brothers and his nieces and nephews. They adored him, as he adored them and made sure he was always there for them. He quickly picked up the family’s passion for music and started to play on dad’s drums and guitars and singing and making music with Johnny. They were always so goofy, especially when you got them all together, they would always be picking on each other, laughing and having a good time.

Inseparability is the language of brotherhood. They lived by that… and side by side, they faced the world as one.

This type of pain is something no family should ever have to endure. We are grieving deeply while also trying to navigate the unexpected financial burden that comes with such a tragic loss — funeral costs, memorial expenses, time off work, and the emotional and logistical support needed for the children and family members left behind.

We are creating this GoFundMe to help lift even a small part of the weight off the family during this heartbreaking time. Any support, whether through donation, prayer, or simply sharing this link, means more than words can express.

Please keep our family in your thoughts as we try to navigate the unimaginable. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during the darkest moment of our lives.

Also accepting donations on cash app and Venmo. Personal donations are also accepted by Cynthia Bell, Rhonda savage and Lauren Drinkwine.

Cash app: $angiebrake13

Venmo: @Jacob-Brake-10

❤️ With love, gratitude, and broken hearts —

The Brake Family