Brandon Beukers

Brandon Beukers (1991-2015)

Brandon Paul Beukers was 24 years old and had autism.  Brandon was born on January 31, 1991. He had been living in a group home in Syracuse, Utah. On the evening of February 7, 2015, Brandon wandered away from his group home and entered the private home of a neighbor who thought he was going to rob him. The neighbor put Brandon into a headlock that caused him to pass out. Brandon Beukers was taken to a hospital and died on February 12, 2015. His parents are Steve and Sharon Beukers.

Tributes to Brandon Beukers:

Brandon was very loving. He loved going to school and always looked forward to the bus ride. Throughout school and life he had loving teachers, caregivers, and bus drivers. Brandon had touched many lives, more than we could ever know. He had a very kind heart and was always happy despite the pain (From Brandon Beukers Obituary)

Links about Brandon Beukers: 

Blog:  Autism Memorial 

Obituary:  Lindquist Funeral Home Obituary for Brandon Paul Beukers

News:  Investigation Continues into Death of Autistic Utah Man after Alleged Break-in (Salt Lake Tribune, February 20, 2015)

Aja Dasa

Aja Prema Dasa (1998-2015)

Aja Dasa was 16 years old and had autism. He lived in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Aja Dasa was stabbed in the abdomen on February 11, 2015, and he died later that day at the hospital. His parents are Jenifer Runnion and Steve Hadachek.

Tribute to Aja Dasa: "Aja was a bright and artistic young man. He enjoyed modeling and made incredible creations with many materials, including tinfoil, clay and especially Lego. He enjoyed painting his models in order to bring his creations, and the imaginative games in which they were used, to life. Aja was particularly kind, genuine, and had a delightful sense of humor and playfulness. Aja was dearly loved and will continue to be deeply missed by his family and friends (Aja Dasa Obituary at Tributes.com)."

Links about Aja Dasa: 

Obituary: Aja Dasa Obituary at Tributes.com

          Blogs: Autism Memorial Blog: Aja Dasa

News: 

• Mother Struggling with Death of Her Son by His Brother (Groupstate.com, May 5, 2015) 

John Linn

John Linn (1993-2015)

John William "J.W." Linn was 21 years old and had autism. He lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. John Linn was born on September 3, 1993, and passed away on February 10, 2015, after having several grand mal seizures. John Linn had been a student at the Alpine Autism Center. His parents are Colonel John T. Linn (USAF, Retired) and Michelle Linn.

Tributes to John Linn:

"He loved the outdoors and was a regular hiker at Garden of the Gods Park. He was a sweet soul with a zest for life despite battling autism and epilepsy for many years (Legacy.com Obituary for John Linn)."

Obituary: John Linn Obituary at Legacy.com