Memorial held for Lakeway father and son killed in Nice attack

Thursday, the Lakeway community celebrated the lives of Sean and Brodie Copeland, two of the victims of a terror attack in Nice, France.

Both Sean and Brodie were born in Dallas and lived in Prosper before moving to Lakeway two years ago.

Sean, his wife Kim, sons Austin and Brodie and daughter Maegan were in Europe on a family vacation earlier this month.

The night before Sean ran with the bulls in Spain, his wife told him she was worried for his safety.

“He told her that he lived a full life and he wasn’t worried about him but he was worried about me. So, the next day, my dad pulled me aside privately and he said he had everything he could want in his life, but his main worry was that I was just 22 years old and I had my whole life ahead of me,” said Austin.

The Copelands said Sean’s beaming smile during that 200 yard sprint is one of their fondest memories.
               
Then, on July 14, the family was spending time in Nice when their trip was cut short.

“Although much of the day was a blur and still remains a blur, I know without a doubt that our father’s heroism is the reason that Austin and I are still alive,” Maegan said. 

Sean and Brodie Copeland were killed when a terrorist drove a large truck into a crowd at a Bastille Day celebration and then opened fire.
               
Sean's children said he died the same way he lived, putting family first.

“It is that love and strength that Sean so bravely showed us by laying down his own life to save Brodie that day,” said Lake Hills Church Pastor Dan Underhill.

Brodie has been described as a small child with a larger than life personality.

“One of the things that Brodie said to me the first time that I went to watch him perform in one of his plays is, he said, ‘Granny Any, prepare to be impressed.’ And he was an impressive kid,” said Brodie’s Grandmother Anya Eakins.

Brodie loved to be in the spotlight and hoped to be a famous actor, baseball player and President of the United States one day.

“Our brother was filled with original ideas and his lively personality will remain in our hearts forever. No matter what, Brodie made us smile,”

The Copelands ask that donations be made to the non-profit creative action in Brodie’s honor. You can do so here.