Pour Bros. shooting victim dies peacefully overnight
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Brandon Hardway, 45, of Champaign, was pronounced dead early Saturday morning after a shooting in downtown Champaign last week left him in critical condition.
Hardway, who was the General Manager at Pour Bros. Taproom, was shot on Thursday, Feb. 8 in broad daylight during a smoke break outside the bar.
Following the crime, Pour Bros. shut down the business temporarily to process what had happened and to focus on Hardway’s health. After he was beginning to show signs of recovery, the business reopened earlier this week. Since the shooting, the community supported Hardway and his family by raising nearly $50,000 in a GoFundMe account.
‘It’s disheartening’: Community reacts to Pour Bros shooting
Hardway’s wife, Erin, announced Saturday that he peacefully died overnight while surrounded by family. She wanted to share this statement:
It is with immense, unspeakable sadness that I share this update with you.
Brandon died peacefully overnight after life supporting equipment was removed.
My world is shattered. I had 3 beautiful months as his wife, but I was supposed to have forever. I have been so incredibly lucky to love Brandon and be loved by him.
Thank you to our family, friends, and community for all the support we have received through this horrible time. You all are truly appreciated.
Erin Hardway
Pour Bros. staff also shared a statement in a Facebook post:
It is with deep sadness that we regret to inform you that our beloved friend and colleague Brandon has passed away peacefully.
Brandon was our first hire here at Pour Bros. Champaign, becoming the store’s 1st General Manager. He gave it everything he had, and oftentimes, we would have to force him to go home! He loved this place, his staff, and all of you. One of his last comments before heading to the hospital was, “Hey, let Jason know I didn’t order lemons and limes.” This was Brandon, never thinking about himself, a selfless human that cared so much for others.
The community support we have seen has been nothing short of incredible. It shows the amazing impact Brandon had on people. He was a friend to everyone and made that clear with his infectious personality and ability to listen with compassion. He made the world and our bar a better place, and for that, we thank him. We should all aspire to be more like Brandon. We ask that you continue to support his wife, Erin, and his family with the love and positivity you have shown thus far.
https://gofund.me/be103ca3
How do we move forward? We don’t quite know. There’s no playbook here. After speaking with our staff, we have made the decision to open today as that is what Brandon would want. Please keep our staff in your hearts. We are all hurting so much and need you more than ever. Brandon will always be here with us in spirit.
Rest in Peace Brandon, Go Yankees!
Pour Bros. Craft Taproom
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