A 17-year-old Illinois high school senior died unexpectedly on the night of his school’s homecoming dance after developing pain near his collarbone, leaving classmates and a community mourning a teenager remembered for his warmth, energy and ability to make others feel included.
Brennen Saele, a senior at Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox, died on September 19 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago after complications associated with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or vEDS, a rare genetic disorder that can make blood vessels and internal organs unusually fragile.
His death came just hours after he had complained of pain in his clavicle.
A Rare Condition Discovered at 15
Saele had lived with vEDS from birth but was not diagnosed until he was 15.
His mother, Genesis Saele, had been diagnosed first and subsequently learned that there was a 50% chance her son could also have inherited the condition.
The diagnosis followed a period of unexplained physical problems. Before doctors identified the disorder, Brennen had suffered repeated shoulder dislocations and underwent three surgeries within a year in an effort to repair the injury.
Genesis said doctors had noted that the tissue in his shoulder appeared unusually fragile.
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is one of the rarer forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and can affect blood vessels and organs, increasing the risk of serious complications.
Pain Near His Collarbone Became a Medical Emergency
According to his mother, Brennen complained of pain in his collarbone on Friday night, September 18.
He was taken to hospital the following day, where doctors discovered an aneurysm involving an artery behind the collarbone, according to Genesis’ account to Patch.
The artery runs upward toward the neck and brain, she said.
The aneurysm subsequently ruptured, and Brennen died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on September 19.
The family had not expected such a severe complication at his age. Genesis said scans performed around eight months before his death had not revealed the problem.
His Classmates Left Homecoming to Support His Family
The timing of Brennen’s death added another painful dimension to the loss.
His classmates were attending their school’s homecoming dance when they learned that he had died. Within minutes, according to Patch, students left the celebration and gathered in support of his family.
His girlfriend, Anika Gaydos, had been with him for more than four years and later paid tribute to him, recalling how excited he had been about the homecoming celebration.
The couple had been together since the summer before their freshman year.
A Teen Remembered for His Smile and Kindness
Brennen’s family and friends have described him as someone who made a point of including others.
His obituary says he served as a Peer Buddy through the Best Buddies Program at Lincoln-Way Central and was known for making people feel welcome.
Genesis told Patch that her son loved spending time with his friends and family and was rarely without someone close to him.
His death has prompted an outpouring of support across New Lenox, with red ribbons appearing around the community and students organising activities in his memory.
Family Turns Grief Into vEDS Awareness
For Genesis, one way of coping with the loss has been helping more people understand the condition that affected her son.
She said she hoped sharing Brennen’s story could help another family recognise the risks associated with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
“If sharing his story can help one person learn about this devastating disease, then his life continues to make a difference,” she said.
The family has also asked mourners to consider supporting organisations connected to genetic conditions rather than sending flowers.
Community Rallies Around the Saele Family
Support for the family has extended beyond the school community.
A meal train established following Brennen’s death attracted substantial financial support, while friends, classmates and local businesses have organised tributes and fundraising efforts.
The community has also used messages such as “Live Like Brennen” and “Forever 17” to remember him.
His family’s home has remained filled with friends and classmates since his death, Genesis told Patch, reflecting the close relationships he built during his short life.
Memorial Services Held in New Lenox
Brennen’s family held visitation at Kurtz Memorial Chapel on September 27, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox on September 28.
In his obituary, the family described him as a son, brother, friend and classmate whose presence brought joy to those around him.
They have asked those wishing to honour his memory to consider donations to The Marfan Foundation, which supports people and families affected by genetic conditions including vEDS, or to the Best Buddies programme at Lincoln-Way Central.
For those who knew Brennen, the focus now is on preserving the memory of a teenager whose life ended unexpectedly at 17, while using his story to raise awareness of a rare condition his family had only recently learned to live with.
