Brendan Burke.
What a tragic story — Brendan Burke, 21, was killed in a crash on a snow-covered road in Indiana on Friday. Burke came into national prominence from an ESPN.com piece about him in November. The story detailed the love and acceptance Burke got from his dad, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, after coming out as gay.
Brendan Burke, 21, Canton, Mass., and Mark A. Reedy, 18, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., died at the scene of a two-vehicle accident at U.S. 35 north of Economy. The accident was reported at 2:50 p.m.
Investigators said Burke was driving eastbound on U.S. 35 in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee when, according to witnesses, the vehicle slid sideways into an oncoming 1997 Ford Truck driven by 24-year-old Michael Moreland of Lynn. Moreland was not hurt.
Burke was an assistant on the University of Miami (Ohio) hockey team and had dreams of being involved in NHL management. He sounded like an awesome and inspiring man. R.I.P., Brendan Burke.
on Feb 5th, 2010 at 10:35 PM
Truly sad story. Had his whole life ahead of him.
on Feb 5th, 2010 at 10:41 PM
RIP Brendan
PS: Why must the headline read Brendan Burke dies, gay son of Maple Leafs GM
Does it really matter that his was gay? A young man has lost his life and you all need to get one
on Feb 5th, 2010 at 10:47 PM
Sorry, no offense was meant. Brendan was only known to our site’s readers because of his coming out story. I removed it since the last thing I wanted was to show disrespect.
on Feb 5th, 2010 at 10:51 PM
I agree who cares about his sexual preference; that doesn’t determine who you are. My heart goes out to him and his family, his son was taken too soon. My deepest condolences. I can’t imagine what he is going though.
God Bless Him
on Feb 5th, 2010 at 11:49 PM
May he rest in peace!
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 12:18 AM
I was so impressed by him, and also by his father. The world is less beautiful without him. I hope that he and his family can find peace.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 12:21 AM
While I completely agree it doesn’t matter if Brendan was gay, green or purple – his sexuality IS noteworthy because of the strength he showed coming out just a few short months ago.
His courage to do so has/will make a difference…
Peace, Brendan
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 12:53 AM
Tragedy. A courageous family has lost a courageous son. Brendan and his dad made a difference. Thank you.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 12:54 AM
It seems so out of left field. He just came out to the world, and talked about his dreams for the future, possibly in the NHL as an executive, and then this.
So incredibly random, and tragic. His family must feel lost. Rest In Peace Brendan.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 1:13 AM
My deepest condolences to the entire Burke Family and the respective hockey organizations.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 1:13 AM
Totally tragic.
It’s sad that you were pressured to remove the term “gay”. Heterosexuals are proud of their orientation and give it the highest value in their lives. The first thing any het public figure publicly acknowledges is their spouse or lover. Whether it is George Bush, Ted Olson, or Dick Cheney. They were all totally open about cherishing their female sex partners (ie wives) and saying literally they were the most important things in their lives. Why do hets where their bedroom lifestyle on their sleeves like that? And do gays really disassociate themselves from their orientation like we are told we must? Is our orientation, as Log Cabin claims, just a very miniscule part of our identity? If so, then I guess we really are far less human than straight people.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 1:35 AM
Profoundly sad news…. Brendan was a brave kid, a couragous hockey guy… a role model..
I’m very sad.. this seems so random, so unfair… his coming out was good for hockey, for all of us who struggle and have strugled with being out and playing ice hockey. my respect to his family and his friends, his teammates…. to Mark Reedy’s as well… rest in peace dudes… (Brendan and Mark)
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 1:44 AM
how heartbreaking! he seemed like such a sweet kid, may he rest in peace….
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 6:01 AM
A cruel twist of fate…
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 9:40 AM
How terribly sad.
Although I knew little about him, Brendan Burke’s story (coming out in the world of sports, and living under the shadow of a famous–but amazingly supportive–father) was touching. His untimely death at such a young age when, clearly, his life seemed full of promise is tragic.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 11:28 AM
My thoughts go out to his family.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 11:55 AM
After his ESPN story ran, I befriended Brendan on facebook and we began exchanging emails. Both finishing our college degrees, we shared out goals, our hopes, our dreams. It was obvious from his words that he was caring, passionate, and bound for great things.
One of his favorite quotes was Ted Kennedy’s concession speech at the 1980 Democratic Convention in New York City:
“For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end.
For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Brendan’s brother went to Notre Dame and posted these thoughts on a ND sports site on which he is a frequent poster at the link below. I thought his comments and the responses were poignant. My thoughts and prayers for the brave and beautiful Brendan and his wonderful family.
http://www.ndnation.com/boards/showpost.php?b=backroom;pid=203493;d=this
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 12:03 PM
A shiver went through me this morning after reading this, just because of the beautiful ESPN piece. This is so tragic. My prayers to the Burke and Reedy families.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 1:03 PM
It was perfectly appropriate to note in the headline that he was gay. After all, this is a Web site for gay sports fans. If it were the NY Times or CNN, yeah, I’d wonder why they bothered to put in the headline. But the story wouldn’t even be on this Web site if the guy hadn’t been gay. The headline simply acknowledged something that would be of particular interest to this site’s visitors.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 1:09 PM
“It’s sad that you were pressured to remove the term “gay.”
For the record, I was not pressured. My first headline is what is there now, I then added the word gay, yet somehow felt it didn’t sound right to me. When I saw the first reaction I wanted this thread to be about Brendan and not about a headline, so I switched out out of (perhaps over-) sensitivity where a death is involved. His orientation has clearly not been hidden in the story.
I would hope people would comment on Brendan. If you wish to criticize me, send your comments to: jim@outsports.com.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 2:15 PM
Brendan did more in 21 years than many do in a lifetime; while we all grieve for the future he and Mark surely had as young men with the promise of years ahead, kudos still to Brendan and his Dad Brian, for the teaching & living they did together.
Prayers be with you & your families
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 2:42 PM
This was not how this story was supposed to end…
The courage that Brendan Burke showed, and the inspiration that he was to so many was just the tip of the iceberg. His death is all of our loss. What could have been…
Rest in peace, Brendan and Mark.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 2:51 PM
So Outsports runs banner ads for gay “clothing optional” resorts,, runs weekly articles about the latest “hot jock,” and hosts a message board where, among other things, guys air their fantasies about “guys in tights,” …
but it won’t use the word “gay” in the headline of a story abo someone whose sexual orientation was appropriately notable in this context and whose
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 3:42 PM
I cried when I heard the news. I am sure the news hit hard to any gay hockey player. I just read the first profound and well-written response from the mainstream media just a few minutes ago. Here is the link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/unwritten-rules/true-advocates-like-brendan-burke-are-hard-to-come-by/article1458738/
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 4:48 PM
Needless to say this is tragic news. I found myself thinking -’Oh
God – I hope its not Brendan’ when CTV National news were going to their first commercial break last night – with one of those awful teasers where Sandy Rinaldo the news reader said ‘ Leafs GM Brian Burke and his family try to deal with a tragic loss.’ Of course – that in some ways was a stupid thought because the loss of anybody else in the family would be just as profound a loss to them.
And not that there can ever be a ‘good’ time for such a tragedy – one can hardly imagine a worse time for this to happen to Brendan and the Burke family. We’ll now never know what else Brendan might have been able to do to help open the door to gay hockey players – although maybe what he has already done will be enough. And for Brian Burke – who on a professional level was just now putting his vision to the Leafs roster with the dramatic trades he made this week to bring in Phaneuf and Giguere – and whose USA hockey team is only a week or so away from hitting the ice in Vancouver – what a tragic time for such a devastating body blow.
Like all Leafs fans who have grown to greatly admire and respect Brian Burke I send my condolences to him and his family. To Brendan – whose courageous coming out was so inspirational for so many – you will be sadly missed – even though we really barely knew you.
It will be so very difficult to watch Hockey Night in Canada tonight. On this afternoon’s telecast of the Montreal – Pittsburgh game they have already talked about this tragic loss a few times. During the 30 minute pre-game show before the prime time Leafs – Sens game tonight – much will be about this sad story including interviews with University of Miami teammates of Brendan. And apparently the plan is for there to be a minutes silence at the start of the game. I’m not sure I’ll make it through that without breaking down. So sad.
It would be of so minor significance in the great scheme of things – but here is hoping the Leafs win one for Burkie in this game that they’ve dedicated to the Burke family.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 5:24 PM
Rest in peace Brendan knowing you did more for gays and hockey than anyone else. You will be greatly missed!
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 6:05 PM
I was stunned when I saw this. The timing is just scary. I read the ESPN piece only a couple of weeks ago and thought it was incredible. I even posted one of his quotes on my facebook. The saddest part is, the Westboro Baptist crazies are gonna be ALL over this soon. RIP Brendan- I never knew you, but as a 21 year old in a similar situation, I related to your story, and you were braver than I could ever be.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 6:24 PM
Great guy, dreadful accident
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 7:32 PM
I was surprised this morning when I felt overwhelming dismay at news of his death on Towleroad. For all intents and purposes, he was a stranger to me, his reported interviews and coming out notwithstanding.
But somehow I felt grief; I felt and saw a nice boy unjustly concluded in his existence. Of so many horrible people we have in the world, why did this amazing boy have to die?
I watch his smile next to the trophy in the picture, and depression overtakes me.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 8:53 PM
Lucrece, I feel the exact same way. I didn’t know him. I wasn’t a fan of the Maple Leafs. And my heart is just breaking for his loss. Maybe it was all the potential, courage and bravery I saw in him. I don’t know. All I know is I’m grieving a young man that I never knew.
My condolences to the Burke and Reedy family and to all their friends.
These are 2 touching articles I read:
http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=516558
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2010/2/6/1297863/tragedy-strikes-brian-burkes-family
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 9:47 PM
I can see both sides of the argument about putting “gay” into the article headline. I can go on about the how’s and why’s on that issue but that’s not important here. The main point is that this is just terribly, terribly sad. It’s heartbreaking for parents to have to bury their children. I know because I come from a big Italian family and we lost our cousin when he was just 24.
This crazy winter weather is just further proof how dangerous it can be. Be careful out there everyone.
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 10:43 PM
@thewin
“The saddest part is the Westboro Baptist crazies are gonna be ALL over this soon.”
Yea, I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s NOT the saddest part, but it is one I was worryin about. The lunatic fringe are bound to come out of the woodwork, for sure.
The only upside to this is when Brendan’s father goes through his stages of grief and reaches ‘anger’ – I wouldn’t wanna be one of those bible-thumpin bozos. Your first amendment won’t protect them from Burkie’s wrath. Peace & Love
on Feb 6th, 2010 at 11:03 PM
This is an extreme loss. I will keep Brendan and his family in my thoughts and prayers.
on Feb 7th, 2010 at 12:31 AM
I’m sick and heartbroken over this terrible news!
on Feb 7th, 2010 at 1:11 AM
So tragic. So young. Rest in peace. He touched alot of people in ways he couldn’t even know.
on Feb 7th, 2010 at 1:31 AM
I must say Hockey Night in Canada was wonderful in their thoughtful handling of this story having just watched the telecast I PVR’d because I was at the game. Ron McLean even dedicated the telecast to Brendan.
I made it through the moments silence at the start of the game albeit with a giant lump in my throat and it was obvious many other fans were struggling with their emotions too. I thought it was nice that the public address announcer at the Air Canada Centre referred to the fact that Brendan was ‘courageous’ – obviously referring to the brave step he took in coming out – in asking for the moments silence. And I must say – unlike on many other occasions in stadiums or arenas – where ignorant idiots disrupt the silence with idiotic whoops or shouts – tonight you would have heard a pin drop at the ACC during the entire tribute.
And yes even the Leafs won the game they had dedicated to the Burke family, quite possibly playing their best game of the season beating Ottawa – who had won 11 straight games, 5 – 0. Perhaps bringing a brief moment of solace to Brian Burke as he struggles to get himself and the rest of his family through the difficult days ahead.
on Feb 7th, 2010 at 10:47 AM
What a sad story about a great person! He will be missed.
on Feb 7th, 2010 at 11:52 AM
This just F****** sucks! What a horrible story and I am just so sad after reading it. RIP Brendan! Deepest regards to the family, especially his wonderful father…
on Feb 7th, 2010 at 3:13 PM
Brian H.,
your comment and that quote really turned on my waterworks, thanks for sharing, man. it is comforting to know that Brendan touched so many lives in his way too-short life on this earth.
I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but the sadness I feel from Brendan’s death is similar to how I felt when Matthew Shepard was murdered, different circumstances of course, but the grief is awfully similar.
on Feb 7th, 2010 at 4:34 PM
One can only hope that the Bravery and Courage shown by such a bright young man will inspire some Closeted Star in one of our “Major” Sports leagues to come out.
I know I waited too long and wasted too many years of my life… What is it going to take to get some of the Stars in Sports to come out??
RIP Brendan. You were an amazing role model and your rare Bravery will be missed.
on Feb 8th, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Put the “gay” back in please. Thank you. “Gay” is not disrespectful. Only to heterosexuals and homosexuals who are uncomfortable with gay people. Don’t be so self-loathing, Mr. Buzinski. “Gay” is why your rights are taken from you, not any other reason. Don’t give heterosexuals any more reason to treat you like a second-class citizen.
on Feb 8th, 2010 at 12:44 PM
(or self-hating homosexuals who treat you with disrespect.) This is a gay web site directed towards GLBT people. As a gay person, I expect to see words like “gay” not censored out. Thanks Jim!
on Feb 8th, 2010 at 1:04 PM
I think for everyone with their panties in a bunch, that defining someone in obituaries in any way sometimes feels like too much. My hometown paper tried it a few years ago “Tim Trader, Florist, 98″ or “Maggie Moose, Waitress, 52″ and people objected to it because Maggie was a grandmother in addition to being a waitress, etc. I think if the headline read “Gays In Sports Trailblazer” versus “Gay Son” people might not have paused so much.
Believe me I know where the sentiment is coming from, but rather than argue over on this website about it, why not volunteer with some young queer people or educate/ come out to our own friends and loved ones so that Brendan’s legacy wiil truly live on.
on Feb 8th, 2010 at 1:41 PM
Florist = Gay?
Waitress = Gay?
Gay people, in America, are jokes.
on Feb 8th, 2010 at 1:46 PM
@ Vicky
Yes, yes, yes. As a young GAY man, I blame gay people for the lack of gay equality in America solely based on their fear and cowardace over, well everything. Harvey Milk has turned over in his grave countless times, I’m sure.
RIP to Brendan. This is a sad story. You would have made a world of difference in the hockey world.