Brett Ryan Scrogham was born in Indianapolis to Ryan and Charmaine on February 13, 2003. As a baptized child of God, the faith given Brett by the Holy Spirit was nourished throughout his life by his time in the Word and at the Lord’s Table in his LCMS Christian church. At age 23, Brett was the victim of a brutal act of violence while parking for an Indianapolis Indians game he’d planned to attend with family and friends. Two days later, on May 30, 2026, God received Brett into His presence. Brett’s loved ones gathered to lay his body to rest on June 8, 2026.

Brett’s loss leaves a chasm in the lives of his parents and three sisters. As part of a close family, Brett’s life was integral to countless precious memories as well as hopes for the years ahead – hopes now irrevocably changed.

Brett was home educated through high school graduation by his parents, as well as other local and online classical educators. With his family, he immersed himself in soccer, theatre, Civil Air Patrol, and 11 years of CCA speech and debate. He often talked about how the many mentors and peers within his community were foundational to his character formation and goals.

Brett attended the Indiana University Kelley School of Business at Indianapolis as a Plater Scholar. Determined to avoid debt, Brett worked before and throughout college, including sales and manual labor positions, as well various accounting and commercial real estate internships. Motivated by excellence, he put the same effort into demolition work and servicing machinery as he did into financial analyses and business presentations.

Besides work and college classes, Brett remained involved in church, family, and volunteer coaching activities, led the IUI Commercial Real Estate Workshop and Club, and participated in Christian Student Fellowship, case competitions, intramurals, and activities that allowed him to learn about others’ experiences and cultures. After studying abroad in Japan in May 2025, he returned twice and solo traveled to South Korea. Bolstered by energy drinks, ice cream, and an occasional proper Guinness, Brett also fit in swing dancing, country line dancing, travel with friends, long drives, and frequent late-night conversations.

A Top 100 student, Brett graduated with High Honors on May 16, 2026, with degrees in Finance and Real Estate. He immediately began full-time work as a development analyst for Kittle Property Group, excited to impact communities in need of affordable housing.

Brett’s personality is impossible to confine to one statement. He was unusually driven to pursue growth and learning in every area of his life. He was curious, bold, funny, loyal, humble, and intentional. Though he was very protective of others, he approached his own life without fear. Ideas and impact mattered to Brett, and so did relationships and enjoying life. Brett always found a way to balance purposeful reflection with laughter.

While Brett was passionate about many things, he would have wished to be remembered most for the faith he professed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. This faith informed his love for people (old and young), his desire to serve others, his eagerness to deeply discuss Truth with gentleness and respect, and his genuine interest in the goals, struggles, and joys of those around him.

Brett often referenced the phrase “Memento mori. Memento vivere.” (“Remember you must die. Remember to live.”) He wanted to prioritize what truly mattered and wholly embrace the time he was given. He lived life at full speed. A year before he left this world, Brett chose the words “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8) to be permanently inked over his heart as a daily visual reminder of his desire to be sent wherever the Lord intended and to be used for His purposes.

Brett was deeply loved not only by his parents and sisters, but also by his grandparents, aunts, uncle, cousins, friends, girlfriend, and (as his family has been humbled to learn) so many others within and beyond his local community. Though we who love Brett are profoundly saddened by our loss, with peace and boldness we await the resurrection and life eternal, where we will be reunited with Brett. We give thanks to God for the gift of Brett’s life and pray it will continue to impact us and others to seek service, joy, and lasting hope.

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Memorial contributions may be given in Brett's name to the family's church. Alternatively, donations may be made to the GoFundMe established for the family (In Honor of Brett Scrogham). These funds will be used for funeral expenses, family needs, unpaid leave, medical expenses, legal expenses, and any memorials of Brett that the family might choose.