AUSTIN, Texas — A "breath of fresh air" in today's world is how parents Kyle and Jessica Bolyard describe their son, Brayden, who was a senior at Jarrell High School.
"He was an awesome, hardworking, respectful, young man. Very much so into football, football was his passion," Kyle Bolyard said.
"He was perfect. I know that's a very big word, and I hardly ever use that word, but he was perfect. He was amazing," Jessica Bolyard said.
He was also a big brother to 11-year-old Riley Bolyard, who said Brayden Bolyard taught him everything about football, baseball and golf.
All of their lives changed forever after a shooting at the Moon Palace Hookah Lounge at 12636 Research Blvd. on Jan. 28. Jessica and Kyle Bolyard say their son was there for a birthday party when gunshots rang out.
Brayden Bolyard and 18-year-old Jaitron Tatum died, and four others were hurt.
"You know, basically, Brayden and that birthday party was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Kyle Bolyard said.
"I'll never think the same again. We will never be the same after this, ever," Jessica Bolyard said.
PHOTOS: Brayden Bolyard
Brayden Bolyard's parents say he was a "staple in the community" and he grew up in front of everyone's eyes.
"He really would have been a very huge contribution to this world, and now we will never know. We'll never get the chance to see it," Jessica Bolyard said.
Jessica and Kyle Bolyard said their son's dream was to go to Texas Tech University and become a coach, possibly at the college level.
Nineteen-year-old Christijan Stevens is charged with capital murder in connection with the deaths of Brayden Bolyard and Jaitron Tatum. Police said Stevens also went to Jarrell High School.