On May 1, 2017, University of Texas at Austin freshman Harrison Brown began his day like any other: playing basketball at Gregory Gym and calling his mom, Lori, to say, “I love you.” He never made it to class.
That morning, Harrison’s life was taken in a senseless act of violence outside Gregory Gym. Three other students were injured in the attack. Harrison was 19 years old. He was a beloved son, younger brother, uncle, musician, friend, and proud Longhorn. His death shocked the UT community and left an irreplaceable void—but his life and legacy continue to inspire.
The “All-Around Boy”
Harrison grew up in Graham, Texas, where he was known for his kindness, charisma, and talent. He ran track, played music, acted, and excelled academically. In high school, he was named “Best All-Around Boy”, a title that reflected the fullness of who he was.
He embraced life at UT from the start, once tweeting, “I’m in love with this campus and the people.” He made others feel seen and valued. His joy was real—and contagious.
“We remember him not just for how he died, but for how he lived.”
Read more: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/mother-of-ut-stabbing-victim-harrison-brown-speaks-out
A Legacy Through Music
Harrison’s love for music ran deep—he sang, played trumpet and guitar, and was passionate about performing. He auditioned for UT’s a cappella group, Ransom Notes, with “Cough Syrup” by Young the Giant. That song has since become part of his memory.
In 2024, the Ransom Notes performed “Cough Syrup” at SafeHorns’ National Night Out, honoring Harrison’s voice and spirit. His light continues to shine through music and the people who carry it forward.
🎧 Watch the tribute performance: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16GQ1vgdcT/
#Report4Harrison: A Call to Action
In the wake of tragedy, Harrison’s mother, Lori Brown, joined SafeHorns to launch #Report4Harrison, a campus safety initiative encouraging students to:
- Recognize danger
- Respond appropriately
- Report immediately
Before he passed, Harrison asked a stranger to call 911 and another student to call his mom. Never assume someone else has already called. Your voice can save lives.
The Stop the Bleed program at UT, launched in response to the tragedy, offers free workshops in emergency response.
To schedule a session for your student organization:
Email: President@safehorns.org
More info:
https://www.kxan.com/news/ut-stabbing-victim-asked-student-to-call-his-mom-as-he-was-dying
https://thedailytexan.com/2019/05/02/safehorns-hosts-report4harrison-event-to-honor-harrison-brown/
A Living Memorial
At the corner of Speedway and 21st Street, near his dorm at Jester, a tree blooms each spring in memory of Harrison. It was dedicated just months after his passing.
Student body vice president Micky Wolf called the memorial “a symbol of growth and permanence… a reminder of the unity Harrison inspired on campus.”
📍 Speedway & 21st Street
Read about the memorial tree: https://thedailytexan.com/2017/11/11/memorial-tree-honors-the-life-of-harrison-brown/
The Graduation That Should’ve Been
In 2020, Harrison’s friends walked the graduation stage—but his seat was heartbreakingly empty. His close-knit circle, bonded by years of friendship, carried his memory with them.
“We still talk about him,” said friend Kate Salkowitz. “We all still see each other, and I think Harrison would be really happy to know that.”
“Harrison wasn’t physically there,” added friend Sean Dolan, “but I often think about how much funnier [those moments] would have been if he was still in the mix.”
Though he didn’t get to graduate, his legacy walks with all those who remember him.
More coverage:
Carrying The Legacy
May 1 is now a solemn date of remembrance at UT, but Harrison’s legacy stretches far beyond a single day. After the attack, Lori found a note in Harrison’s backpack, listing the dreams he carried:
- Make music
- Move to L.A.
- Work in film
- Produce music
- Find a cure for ALS
- Be happy
His dreams now live in us—in every act of kindness, in every voice that speaks up, in every moment we choose courage over silence.
“Thank you, Harrison, for reminding us what it means to dream big, care deeply, and act boldly.”
Additional reading:
https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/mother-of-ut-stabbing-victim-harrison-brown-speaks-out
