Noble County Parents Share the Loss of Their Son

Brandon Replogle's family is devastated. The entire community of Noble County is devastated. The flag at West Noble High school flew at half staff in honor of the students. Both Brandon and Amanda were well liked by their classmates and teachers.

Cyndi Halsey was Brandon's Aunt. She told FOX, “To lose someone at such a young age is not natural. Death is the enemy. Brandon had so much life to live. It doesn't seem real, it doesn't.”

Brandon was an artist. His parents showed FOX his portfolio. His work had just gotten him accepted to the Art Department at Ball State. His mother also brought out his senior quilt, finished just hours after his death.

Above all, Brandon was a Christian. Jeff Wolheter, a family friend, says “Brandon loved the Lord and everyone he was around he made smile.”

The family wanted to thank the community for their support. Brittany Replogle, Brandon's sister, says “We've had an overwhelming outpouring of grace and kindness from Brandon's friends and our friends and family. This is when having a big family helps.”

Brandon died when his car hit ice on a bridge, and smashed into a truck.  Just a quarter hour earlier, his classmate Amanda Musser died in a separate crash just miles away.

She might have been distracted when she drove off the road. Police say she had just stopped to pick up fast food. Gary Leatherman, the Noble County Sheriff, says “Was she in the process of drinking or eating something? Was she in the process of reaching for her phone? The absence of having a passenger or whiteness to help us determine exactly what happened in the crash, we may never have an answer for the family or for the school.”

For now, Brandon's family is surrounding themselves with family and prayer.

West Noble High School is working to put together a memorial for the two students.