Hundreds of friends and classmates gathered at a vigil to honor the life and legacy of Brodee Champlain-Kingman, a 15-year-old freshman at San Dieguito Academy who tragically lost his life in an e-bike accident. Brodee’s parents, who spoke publicly about their son for the first time since his passing, shared heartfelt memories and emphasized the need for e-bike safety training.
Described as a renaissance teen, Brodee excelled academically and challenged his peers in sports. His friends praised his impact on their lives and spoke about his persistent dedication to friendship. Brodee’s mother, Clare Champlain, emotionally shared her memories of giving birth to him and how he brought her tears of joy that never stopped. She highlighted how Brodee made the most of every hour of his short life and touched the lives of many.
Brodee’s father, Roy Kingman, noted his son’s ability to make people feel safe, seen, and heard, demonstrating his unique gift for connecting with others. Despite the overwhelming sympathy, Clare Champlain emphasized the importance of e-bike safety training as the key takeaway from the vigil. She urged schools and the public to participate in safety classes and e-bike registration.
While the San Dieguito Union High School District offers bike safety resources, not every school requires e-bike registration or safety classes. The parents called for change and pleaded with the community to prioritize the safety of their children. Clare Champlain revealed that, despite Brodee wearing a helmet and signaling, the tragic accident occurred. Her plea resonated, urging everyone to slow down and prioritize safety.
Brodee, described as a beloved friend and student, was remembered by over 300 people in attendance. Friends expressed their gratitude for the impact he had on their lives and praised his friendship. The parents also disclosed that Brodee’s final act was the donation of vital organs, providing life-saving opportunities for others.
