Music helps friends heal after Sarasota teen's death
SARASOTA (FOX 13) - After his death, the teen who was accidentally shot and killed at a shooting range by his father is being honored by a friend in song.
Sky Stahlmann's song is for her friend, 14-year-old Stephen Brumby.
"Some people light up the world so much," she sang.
Friends and family say Stephen loved playing his ukulele, he loved his family and he always wore the brightest smile.
The Sarasota teenager died after a tragic accident earlier this month at a Sarasota shooting range. Deputies say his father accidentally shot him when a shell casing deflected off a wall and into his shirt, burning him.
Stahlmann couldn't believe her friend had died.
"Stephen was kind of like a little bro. He was always around. He was such a great kid," said Stahlmann.
His passion for music helped Sky through her sadness.
"As a musician he could pick things up by ear very well. He could play something, he could replicate it on the piano fairly quickly," she said.
Sky is one half of the musical duo "Alone Together."
She and her band mate, Matthew Vero have been writing songs for years. The song they wrote following Stephen's death helped her cope, while also creating something special. A song called "Meteor" dedicated to Stephen.
"He was just that kind of vibrant personality where he would always make some memory," said Vero.
The musical duo will perform the full song for the first time at a charity concert on Sunday. It'll be held at Hunsader's Farm in Manatee County. Money raised will go to a charity called "Music Heals." It's a non-profit that donates ukuleles to kids with cancer.
Stephen's family and friends will be in the audience.
"I just want them to feel the joy that Stephen exuded. I know that when we play it at the concert, he will bless the song with his spirit on the place and fill the place with energy," said Matthew.
The concert is limited to the first 300 people who attend. It is free, but a donation is suggested. It begins Sunday night at 6 p.m at Hunsader's Farm at 5500 County Road 675, in Manatee County.