Community remembers father and son killed in French terrorist attack

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Two weeks ago 11-year old Brodie Copeland and his father, 51-year-old Sean Copeland were killed in the Bastille Day terrorist attack in Nice, France.

As the community prepares for a memorial service, those who worked closely with Brodie in a theatre program are remembering him as a passionate student, who loved the arts. Aside from flowers, his family is asking for donations for a non-profit program they held close to their hearts.

Kids Acting theater teacher Courtney Jacobs says 11-year old Brodie lit up a room when he performed on stage.

“He was such a strong kind student and he clearly got that from his parents as well, both Kim and Sean,” Jacobs says. 

Brodie performed in several productions at the East Austin theater including, Cinderella, where he played the king, Peter Pan, and also Annie. Those who knew Brodie, thank his family for the dedication.

“They drove nearly an hour for rehearsal every week. I had just talked to Sean a couple days before about enrolling Brodie into one of our classes this fall,” Jacobs said.

But Brodie would never get the chance. He and his father were killed in France when an attacker drove into the crowd at a Bastille Day celebration. The Copelands loved the arts so much, besides flowers, they're asking for memorial donations to go toward Creative Action, an arts education non-profit.

“We're just humbled and grateful that the family thought of us as a recipient of the funds to honor their son,” Karen Lashelle, executive director, said.

The organization says Brodie’s sister, was a frequent volunteer and helped fundraise.

“Our mission is that we use the arts as a platform to spark the academic social and emotional development of young people,” Lashelle said.

The Copeland family is void of two ambitious souls, Brodie and Sean. However, they will allow Brodie and his father's spirit to live on in show business like a final curtain call.

“Thank you for the time and the love and support they dedicated to providing their son with passion,” Jacobs said.

Brodie and Sean's memorial service will be Thursday (7/28) at the Lake Hills Church on Bee Caves Road. It will begin at 2:00 p.m.