Kevin Branch was 16 and a student at Earle High School when he died on January 30, 2017, in Earle, Arkansas. The Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office reported that Branch suffered a single, fatal gunshot wound after a handgun discharged as he attempted to place it into the waistband of his pants. Investigators concluded the shooting was accidental; no arrests were made and no suspects were sought.

Family and community members remembered Branch as a solid, genuine young person who inspired others. The sudden loss left the small city grieving and raised painful questions about how the firearm came to be handled that day. If anyone has information about Kevin or the circumstances that morning, please share what is known.