Remembering Brian
Brian Nicholas Hoeflinger
Brian believed that “even the smallest of accomplishments is greatly appreciated in the eyes of a positive person, because it is another step in the right direction.
Brian’s positivity, determination, integrity, and enthusiasm in life were palpable. He was a role model and a leader, touching the lives of many with his genuine concern and kind-heartedness for all.
Who we are.
On February 2, 2013, we lost our precious son and brother, Brian, at the age of 18 in a tragic car accident.
We received the early morning phone call that every parent prays they never receive. You can’t prepare yourself for it, and you can’t hide from it.
The days following Brian’s death brought pain and anguish in ways we could never imagine. But as our community, family, and friends stepped in to rally around us, an unexpected feeling began to permeate our new reality.
It was a feeling of helplessness and an overwhelming desire to ease the pain and suffering of others.
The pain of our loss is profound, and has changed our lives forever. But as time has passed, we are filled with a renewed energy. It was through the experience of Brian’s death that we have come to realize the compassion and overwhelming sense of goodness that all people have within themselves to help transform an unfathomable tragedy into a state of hope. This realization was a gift, given to us by our community, and you.
What We Do
Our Mission
Only in death do we realize just how many lives one individual can touch in such a short lifetime and in such a positive way! Brian’s life was a beacon, instilling so much good and hope in so many people he knew. As a family, we hope to bring meaning and benefit to a senseless tragedy by memorializing Brian in such a way that we lift up others as he did. We have been given this opportunity to make good come from the death of our son and brother. The Brian Matters Foundation Trust is intended to benefit projects, programs, and organizations that reflect Brian’s life passions and determination to succeed, as well as encompass his continual desire to help and comfort others. We inspire hope for a better future, and celebrate each accomplishment with the same positive appreciation that Brian had, because each accomplishment is “another step in the right direction.” All donations ot the Brian Matters fund are for a charitable cause and are 100% tax deductible.
Speaking Engagements
Our message is one of turning our tragedy into hope—a hope of one day ending senseless and preventable deaths due to underage drinking and drunk driving. We have felt the immense grief of losing a child to drunk driving, and work to spare others that pain and suffering. Our focus is to provide parents and teens resources to combat underage drinking, and drunk driving. We have spread our message to over 100 high school and junior high school classes around the United States. We have spoken on news and radio channels across Ohio, and were featured nationally on The Katie Couric show. Our book, The Night He died: The Harsh Reality of Teenage Drinking, highlights the pitfalls of underage drinking and driving drunk. For more information about our speaking engagements, click below.