BRANTLEY'S STORY

On August 27th, 2024 Brantley Ryan McCarty, 14, passed peacefully after the vehicle he was traveling in was involved in an accident in rural Minnesota.

Brantley was born at Fairview Hospital in Burnsville, Minnesota on May 6th, 2010 to his parents Brooke and Ryan in Lakeville, MN. He later moved with his family to Cannon Falls, where he truly found his happy place. He spent his last year living on his dream property in Cannon Falls where he was preparing to enter the 9th Grade at Randolph High School.

On the farm he spent the summer enjoying all of his hobbies which included hunting, fishing, and 4-wheeling; he loved just being in nature. He spent his afternoons and weekends working with Dad and helping Mom. Most recently he and his Dad were clearing out and preparing a new hunting spot in the woods, as he was anticipating the up and coming deer season. He didn’t always look forward to helping Mom in the flower gardens but if it meant he got a chance to drive the side- by-side and haul the weeds he was more than willing to help.

He loved exploring all of the local fishing spots in the area and kept the special ones a secret. He was working part time at Prairie Lake Lawn Care to save money as he was learning he had some expensive hobbies. This summer he purchased a new bright red fishing pole which he named “Big Sexy.”

On his 14th birthday his parents gifted him his first 4-wheeler. He instantly became obsessed with finding every trail accessible from the house. Brantley and his friends would figure out how to navigate all of the back roads to and from each others’ homes. More often than not, that included a pit stop at Woody’s for a BBQ brisket pizza or the R Bar for his favorite Tacos.

Ayvahlin was honored to have such a beautiful connection with her brother Brantley that she was often his “go to” for support or advice, especially when he had gotten himself into some mischief.

Izaiah enjoyed traveling with his brother Brantley, some of his favorites were trips to the Farm in Columbus Junction, Iowa where mud fights at the pond often occurred as well countless bike rides on the beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Brantley was a loving, compassionate old soul who touched the lives of everyone. Brantley’s kindness and generosity were not just traits, but a way of life. His kindness also extended to caring for his animals. Those who met him felt a connection and became an instant friend. He always found a way to connect with each person individually, making them feel included, important, and loved. His departure, though untimely, cannot diminish the immeasurable impact he had on those who knew him.