Utah family mourns 14-year-old who died in tragic accident

SALT LAKE CITY — Rachelle and Bryant Coburn are clinging even tighter to memories of ice skating and trips to the lake with their 14-year-old son, Keenan, who died Friday after an accident while working with his stepfather, Bryant, in Salt Lake City.

“He was on top of a building, sat on a skylight and fell into the building,” Bryant recalled.

Keenan was taken to the hospital after the accident, but Bryant and Rachelle said goodbye just hours later.

“He suffered, I mean, multiple injuries, but ultimately it was his brain that couldn’t recover,” said his mother, Rachelle. “Keenan was the glue of our family. If someone was having a bad day, he was there to crack a joke, cheer you up, sing a song or do a little dance, but he’s not there to cheer us up.”

Bryant said he and Keenan had just formed a bond at work, and Keenan was excited about the opportunity to earn some extra money over the summer.

“I know work shouldn’t be the only thing that connects you with your kids, but it was just another thing we could do. We started bonding over dirt bike riding and he started riding dirt bikes with me,” Bryant said.

In addition to singing, TikTok dancing, and outings with his stepfather, Keenan also helped out at the family’s thrift store and cafe.

“He knew how to make all the drinks in the cafe. He also loved coffee, so he was always making his own and inventing his own concoctions,” Rachelle said.

Pup Cups was founded in April 2023 to support local dog rescues and help dogs get adopted. Following Keenan’s death and other factors, the cafe is now closing.

“Even though we’re not here to do the events and clinics, reach out to the emergency responders yourself. See what you can do to help,” Rachelle said.

Rachelle said Keenan was the loud one who was always happy and positive. Things have been much quieter since his death, but the mark he left on his family and the community will never be forgotten.

“Our girls have so many videos. They are so close as siblings, and there are so many videos of them laughing, playing, having fun and dancing together,” Rachelle said.

A GoFundMe was set up for Keenan’s family.

The Pup Cups will remain open until at least Sunday so customers can show their support and get their last drinks.