Minster teen killed when struck by car

SHELBY COUNTY - A Minster High School senior was struck and killed early Saturday morning while walking along Schmitmeyer-Baker Road, east of Minster.

Austin J. Brackman, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident in McClean Township at 3 a.m., according to a press release from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
Brackman reportedly was walking south when he was struck by a southbound 2008 Mazda 6 driven by John L. McGee, 19, Fort Loramie. No citations have been issued and the accident remains under investigation.
During first-period classes today, Minster High School students were informed of Brackman's death, superintendent Brenda Boeke told the newspaper this morning. Counselors will be available for students who wish to discuss the death, she added.

"We're all in shock," Boeke said. "This community has suffered a terrible loss. Austin was a wonderful young man and a very active member of the student body."

Boeke said Brackman will be remembered for his "kind smile and generous heart."

Brackman, the son of James and Kathleen Brackman, was an honor student and had been on the high school basketball team for three years. He also was a three-year member of the track team and competed at state and was a member of the golf team. He had just joined the high school bowling team, Boeke said.

Brackman was a second team All-Midwest Athletic Conference honoree on the golf team as a sophomore and earned first-team honors the last two seasons. He was a medalist at the MAC tournament this year and helped the Wildcats claim their ninth league title in the last 10 years. According to the school, Brackman was the first Minster golfer to qualify for state since 2010.

The high school boys bowling coach, Nick Goubeaux, last week told the Daily Standard that Brackman was a natural.

"He's an exceptional athlete," Goubeaux said. "He's coming along fast. He's just good at everything he does."

Boeke said staff and students at the school are keeping the Brackman family in their hearts.

"We want them to know our thoughts and prayers are with them," she said.

A community service was held for Brackman on Sunday at St. Augustine Catholic Church; many students were in attendance, Boeke said. The past weekend was emotional for the community, she added.

"We went from the highest of highs on Friday night to the lowest of lows on Saturday," Boeke said, her voice filled with emotion.

Boeke was referring to the Minster Wildcats' win Friday night in the Division VI state semi-final football game against Tinora - hours before the early morning accident.