Ted Braxton
Tiffany,
Ted Braxton, our good friend, died last night in Hilo after being hit by a drunk driver. He was 22 years old. Ted came to Bellyacres as an 18 year old intern and has been a wonderful energy in our lives ever since. He was studying music at the University and dreamed of returning to SPACE to start his own choir. Ted will be greatly missed by all of us, we loved him. I’ll share more later.
How can we help to stop this madness?
Ted is a huge loss.
We are grieving here, and so is his mother and family on the mainland.
Graham (Ellis)
Ted as a child. Photos courtesy of Mark Hinshaw
(Editor’s note: Following is a statement from Ted’s mother Sarah Braxton.)
To all of Ted’s friends and family – we received the news of Ted’s death this afternoon. His brother Sam is coming home tomorrow and we plan to go to Hilo this week to honor Ted’s life in a memorial service. Don, Grace, Sam and I thank you for your kind thoughts. We know that you meant everything to Ted! We hope to meet many of you when we are in Hawaii. There will be a celebration of Ted’s life in Huntingdon, PA later in June. We will post the specifics here as soon as we know them. Much love, Sarah
May 29th, 2011 at 11:18 am
Ted was one of the students I advised at the UH Hilo newspaper. I am just realizing how close to home this senseless tragedy has struck.
He was such a talented guy. Along with writing, he was deeply interested in performing arts.
Like Graham I wonder how do we convince people not to drink and drive, if not to save themselves, to save our friends and loved ones.
May 29th, 2011 at 11:25 am
I received the call from his mom this morning at 6:30…she is in shock. They are not sure of plans for a service as of yet but Graham has graciously agreed to host Ted’s Memorial Service at SPACE. Teddy was my little buddy and I miss him so. Ironically inn Ted’s last role as an actor his character died. A rising star….gone too soon. Aloha o’e Teddy!!! I love you little buddy.
Details of his Service will be announced when his parents arrive from Pennsylvania.
May 29th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Mark
@Graham
Please let me know about his service / memorial as soon as you have ironed out details, I will notify Ke Kalahea staff.
I have some anthuriums I can contribute.
Also, on the news side to this, I want to know details of the accused drunk driver and where this person was allegedly drinking prior to colliding with and killing Ted.
Not only do I intend to follow up on the news of Ted’s killing and the adjudication of the accused drunk driver, Ted’s colleagues at the newspaper will be following up as well.
May 29th, 2011 at 11:43 am
From our ohana to Ted’s — in Pennsylvania, at UHH, at SPACE — our hearts grieve with you.
May 29th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
May our dear brother Ted rest in peace. He will be missed for sure. If there is anything I can do, please email me. We have performed on stage and have had lots of fun.
May 29th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
He was a great friend, writer, musician. I hope that the person responsible is aware of the severity and the consequences for his actions.
May 29th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Ted was a wonderful inspiration to us as actors and performers. Such a talented young man. He will be missed. I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with him. My heart goes out to all those who knew him and my deepest sympathy to his family.
May 29th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Ted was a huge stitch in the fabric of our community and he inspired me and moved me. I saw his last performance at the East Hawaii Cultural Center and I was moved to tears, of laughter, by his performance. He lives on in my heart always. The James Dean of Puna..
May 29th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Such an amazing man, so talented and had such mental clarity. We had an animated conversation one night at a party about a creative collaboration. I so regret not having the chance to see this come to fruition. We only knew each other through a dozen or so encounters, but the impression he made was indelible. Not just for his beauty but also his presence, -energetically, it was like sitting next to a warm fire, such luminous presence.
May 29th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
I only knew Ted for a few months while on the island, but he has lived in my memories ever since I left a few years ago. He was so HUGE. His soul is amazing. I couldn’t believe he came out there all by himself and worked so hard, and just kept it together, kept it so together. He was truly a light. You really just couldn’t help but to fall in love with him. My deepest, deepest condolences to his family.
May 29th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
My deepest sympathy for your Ted’s family and friends andfrom all of us here at Kalani Honua who met him. I was almost killed by a drunk driver myself on April 30th near Leilani Estates. I am going to make sure this drunk is accountable to the full extent of the law.
Blessings, Venetia
May 30th, 2011 at 3:41 am
Ted was a regular member of our social group and was always happy & willing to lend a helping hand. He was a very grounded young man with a broad knowledge of life and nature. He loved music and performing arts among many other things. When I first met him, we had talked about majors at UHH and he said, “Oh cool! I’m an actor too!” From then on he was a close friend of mine. We even learned to throw an “atlatl” together in Archaeology class! Ted was the first to volunteer to throw it and he wasn’t even in the class! He had me ask the professor if he could “tag along” and watch! That was Ted…. never afraid to participate or question. A truly curious man and a wonderful human being. See you on the other side my friend!
My thoughts are with your family and know that your Big Island Ohana miss you.
May 30th, 2011 at 4:50 am
Sarah, Don, and family, I’m so devastated to hear about Ted. I remember him as a darling little boy and unfortunately, our family visits over the years were timed wrong and I didn’t get to see him grow to such a beautiful and talented young man. The comments on this website are a testament to his achievements. Again, I am so sorry and I grieve with all of you and have added you all to my prayers. Love, Christine
May 30th, 2011 at 5:04 am
Ted’s death is a sad loss and horrible waste of a talented, kind young man. My condolences to Ted’s family and friends. He will be missed here in Puna.
May 30th, 2011 at 5:42 am
I graduated High School with him.. I can not believe that something terrible like that has happened to him
i wish i could come to his memorial service but i will pray for him from germany.
i am so sorry
May 30th, 2011 at 6:35 am
Our thoughs go out to the Braxton family. We share in the shock, and sadness.
The last time I got to talk to Ted was when he donated an afternoon of back-breaking hard work here in Central Pennsylvania to help us at our local community theater (The Playhouse at McConnelltown) to get our yard and gardens spiffed up for our season opening.
He gave his all to everything he did. He always had a smile. I regret that out local theatre community did not have the opportunity to know him better.
Daniel
May 30th, 2011 at 8:17 am
Everyone that met Ted knew what a beautiful soul this young man had. It saddens me to think how much more he wanted to share with the world. His life was too brief on this earth. I will remember his joy, peace and beauty. My condolences to his family.
Juan
May 30th, 2011 at 8:41 am
Much light and love sent to all who grieve Teds loss. Beautiful young man……..
May 30th, 2011 at 9:44 am
Ted was an amazingly creative and talented person who never ceased to think outside of the box. He was definitely strange, but I suppose that was part of his charm. He made connections in weird ways, but I know that no one will ever forget Ted. We all miss him dearly.
May 30th, 2011 at 9:48 am
Dearest Ted,
Mahalo. Mahalo for your Aloha, embracing of All, high standards, the music we played and sang, the talks we had, your empathetic skills, your growing capacities,
delightful, insightful, purposeful, warm, responsible,
trustworthy. A Human who lead by example. Highly
competent in so many ways yet humble–no fake humility. To the people closest to Ted- what a crusher. So sorry. Ted gave us a lot simply by being himself. If the world were full of Teds it would be a better place. A true Brother to All.
May 30th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
My heart goes out to Ted’s mom,dad, brother and family. i had the great honor to spend many times with this wonderful soul. Such a promising and wonderful young man. I am in shock. He told me so many wonderful stories about his family. True love. I will miss him dearly .i pray that his mom can find comfort and inner peace in this difficult time, and hope that he is in a better place as he truly deserves to be/ Love and light and all my comforting prayers to his Mom and family. Peace
May 30th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
It is so sad. Ted was truly a golden, kind, humble human being. Last time I saw him was a few weeks ago, he came to a friend’s birthday gahtering and we were playing music. That is how I picture him in my head, either playing a drum or his harmonica around the Kehena Drum circle. Auwe….Puna and Hilo Community is grieving the loss.
May 30th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
I did not know this young man, but I too grieve with all his friends and family.
I would like to know what you meant by “Drunk Driver Kills Again”. Was the driver who killed Ted arrested for DUI in the past? If so, the entire justice system on the Big Island should be indicted along with this poor excuse for a human being.
More information, please.
May 30th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
George and I met Ted in a Sustainable Tropical Agriculture class in the summer of 2009 and quickly became friends. Over the past two years Ted has worked for us at our farm on occasion and was always a delight to have around. We shared Thanksgiving day with Ted in 2009 and felt like he was a part of the family. I usually ran into him at UHH at least once a month and we caught up with what was going on. Ted envisioned a new Earth, one where we live gently on the land. He was/is a very old soul, wiser than his years, and full of gentleness and kindness. We will miss him greatly. Barbara Leonard
May 30th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Just want to bring to your attention if you don’t already know the details of the alleged drunk driver who killed Ted Braxton. The follow-up to this tragic story is here: http://www.bigislandchronicle.com/2011/05/30/hilo-news-keolaukalani-w-kailianu-facing-negligent-homicide-and-dui-charges-in-ted-braxtons-moped-death/
@ Francine,
The title of this thread was recommended by Graham Ellis, presumably stating that a drunk driver has killed again, meaning in general we have another drunk driver who has destroyed the life and the future of another.
Not knowing so much about the accused drunk driver, I cannot speculate as to whether or not that person had promise. I just know that alcohol has once again reared its ugly head and unnecessarily took away the life of someone I guarantee you had so much promise.
I’m taking a stand against drunk driving by titling Graham’s letter as such, I realize.
Thank you, Francine, for being inquisitive. We should continue to ask questions and find out if this is the first time the accused drunk driver has been accused of drunk driving… I’m sure Ted’s family will want the person who took Ted’s life to be accountable. May justice prevail.
May 31st, 2011 at 3:38 am
I am shocked and so saddened to hear about Ted’s tragic and senseless death. He was such a bright star… so fun, talented, loving and creative. I had the pleasure of working with him in Conference of the Birds. We was amazing in his enthusiasm and dedication. He always had a smile on his face and was so willing to lend a helping hand with anything. I grieve for the loss of this extraordinary Light to the world. My heart and prayers are with all of you and his family. (from California)
May 31st, 2011 at 7:37 am
Ted was my recent ex-boyfriend and I am so shocked to hear this. I am studying abroad right now and Peru and wish so badly to be in Hilo grieving with our friends. I want someone to please read this at his memorial service. If there is someone I could contact to read this it would be much appreciated, my email is schofiel@hawaii.edu
I will never forget you Ted. I will never forget our first kiss on top of Akaka falls or watching the lava pour into the ocean under the full moon, or how you would climb up coconut trees just to make me juice for breakfast. You were too beautiful for this earth, I always told you that and now it is true.
Thank you so much for being in my life. I know we changed each others lives dramatically and I’m not mad at you any more for moving into the apartment, or for us evicting each other. Ha. I am grateful now for the extra time we spent together as roommates because now that time will never be recovered. I will never forget the poem you wrote for me or the one I wrote for you, which is so painfully ironic right now and only you know why. You are the best looking man I have ever laid eyes on, and you had so much love to share it was hard to keep it to yourself.
I know that you always wanted to be that dashing man in the tailcoats conducting a great choir, and I can only imagine that God must have chosen you to be up in heaven conducting his heavenly choir of angels. I cannot imagine you doing anything else.
Thank you for being in my life. You were handsome, smart, funny, talented, creative, philosophical, intellectual, a teacher to us all and a nurturer of the earth.
I will always love you and carry you in my heart no matter where I go. Good bye.
PS I still sleep with my two dogs Theodore and Teddy every night. I will miss you forever.
Love Kate.
May 31st, 2011 at 8:01 am
Ms. B, I’m so sorry to hear about Ted. My family’s prayers go out to you and yours. God bless you. Always.
May 31st, 2011 at 9:42 am
I first saw Ted when he walked into auditions for the one act festival the directing class was putting on. He was one of the sexiest human beings I had ever seen. I felt like I was in high school again, he made my knees weak every time I saw him. I finally got the courage to talk to him a few months later and he turned out to be so sweet and enlightened. On our first date we sat by the ocean and watched the stars and discussed life and all of its mysteries. He was the first person I knew besides my mother who knew who Tom Robbins was. He was also the first person to ever bring me flowers or actually want to dance with me when I asked him. Unfortunately I didn’t get to spend as much time with his as I wanted to and never got to know him as well as many others did, but the time that we did have I will remember forever. I know he’s up in the starts conducting his masterpiece, sending waves of joy to all.
Peace and Love, Peace and Love, Peace and Love
May 31st, 2011 at 3:33 pm
I am so saddened to hear the news of Ted’s tragic and sensless death. Ted will be greatly missed by our Puna Community.
My heart reaches out to Ted’s mom and family.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with Ted in Lilli and Leo’s luau and will cherish the few times that we danced together.
The last time I saw Ted was the day I gave him a ride to town. He shared that he had a great act and was going to try out for Le Chic Show. I was so impressed with his being, talents and aspirations and enthusiasm.
He was such a sweet, cute, nice young man and will be dearly missed.
May 31st, 2011 at 6:52 pm
My deepest condolences to Ted’s family and friends. I was his teacher in last semester’s Intro to Dance at UHH. He was a wonderful young man. His Swing Dance presentation was creative and such fun. He was always playing the piano before class. He loved music. We have been robbed of a beautiful talent and person.
May 31st, 2011 at 9:17 pm
I grieve for Ted’s family and friends. I did not know Ted but he was a part of our family. Sarah, his Mother is my niece and his father was greatly admired by my husband and I for his ideals. Ted came from a family of music, creativity, joy of our earth, and a knowledge of a higher power. In reading the previous blogs it reminds me of all the college students I sat up nights listening to their dreams of a better life on our planet. Murray Vincent my husband also was taken too soon. He was a professor and heard from his brother and Ted’s grandmother about Ted’s new adventures. How he and I would have loved to have known him better. My love and prayers go out to his entire family and friends.
May 31st, 2011 at 10:12 pm
He was stunningly beautiful in every way.
He touched us all with his vibrant spirit.
He made an unforgettable impact.
May peace find all who loved him.
June 1st, 2011 at 12:18 am
Raj and I met with Ted’s girlfriend Jeri this evening in Hilo, preparing for Ted’s Memorial Service this Friday. I was touched by her story that she was at the accident sight earlier that day when County Prosecutor Mitch Roth approached her and spoke with her. Mitch is a stand-up guy who I have worked with on community issues for years. I am confident he will do everything he can to bring justice to this horrific crime. We, the public, need to keep the pressure on the media to continue to cover this trial and see justice served….not just the perpetrator….but also who may have served him the liquor.
I just met Ted’s family at the airport and got them settled in to the home where they are staying. They are in shock and grieving right now….and we need to give them Big Island Love and Aloha now….Celebrate Ted’s life…please….take the time to come to his Memorial and celebrate one of the most loving souls I have ever met. I miss you Teddy.
June 1st, 2011 at 12:36 pm
I am a proud and grieving grandmother of Ted Braxton. He left this earth on Saturday evening and I can say with great honesty that he will be missed not just today but for everyday we his family walk the earth. What an incredibly good soul and he cared so deeply about this life. He valued every other person on the face of this earth. To say that he was kind is to really challenge the limits of vocabulary. I can honestly say that this gentle soul had an intensity to match his creative zest, which was growing by the day. He respected the earth and all that she was—–and wasn’t! He loved Hawaii which he called home from the age of 18. He was dedicated to the earth, wind, water and even the molten lava of this place. It was as if he at 18 had arrived at the place from which he had come, knowing it for the first time. He was physically beautiful but as you got to know him the true beauty was in his heart and in his mind. He had a wonderful mystical quality about him – how many 20 year olds study the ancient Persian poet Rumi and can discuss the tales of the Sufis… then philosophize about life in the most abstract terms while having his feet firmly planted on the earth? Or “conduct” to French songstress Edith Piaf. He was so special and it seems he had found his special woman partner Jeri who seemed to match his soulfulness and intellectuality. I am especially happy for this and so incredibly sad for Jeri with Ted’s loss. We grieve together.
We his family will always miss his gentle hugs, his endless patience, his ready smile and his always gentle wit. Dear God we miss you Ted…..we have no choice but to go on without you but we shall miss you every day of our lives. You have set the bar pretty high for a good life and we can only hope to get closer to it.
Our love for you never ends; you are woven into the fabric of our lives for better and forever. Aloha…
June 1st, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Dear Sarah, Don, Sam and Grace,
Our hearts are breaking for you. Love, Brenda and Mark
June 1st, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Ted had a beautific presence and serene sensibility that this world will greatly miss.
June 2nd, 2011 at 9:37 am
Ted’s UHH family is grieving. It has been so difficult to accept that he is no longer with us. We send much aloha to the Braxton family. Please know that Ted’s UHH ‘ohana was notified with the message that follows. Many of us are remembering wonderful times spent with Ted and how he was very present in our lives in such tender, meaningful ways:
“TO PERFORMING ARTS FACULTY, MAJORS AND GRADUATES: It is with utter sadness that I write to let you know about the tragic loss of Ted Braxton. Gentle, kind, hard-working Ted was killed in an accident this weekend. It was a horrific event: he was on his moped and was hit by a drunk driver.
Memories abound: Ted at the keyboard during Convocation a few weeks ago……doing lively commedia antics in styles of acting…. singing with Kapili. He had a quiet, focused, passionate interest in the arts and made sure they were very present in his life. He brought a zest to this passion through circus arts, tumbling, balancing, juggling. And when he was called upon to give deep humanity to a character, it was present because Ted worked from a sincere place in his own heart.
Too young, too soon, he was taken.”
June 2nd, 2011 at 11:04 am
I only met ted once. I picked him up for a ride to hilo. our brief conversation revealed his kind thoughtful nature and special qualities so rare in our midst. I am grieved that he isnt sharing his much needed gifts and beauty, but also believe that nothing can truly change the clear light he was in tune with, and that in all possibility, he lives on and will come again.
June 2nd, 2011 at 12:14 pm
I did not know ted personally, but I am friends with most his friends, and his girlfriend, and I have hung out with ted a few times… When I heard about this, I couldnt believe it! Ted was such a nice nice guy, and its sad how it all went down… someone who was doing nothing wrong was taken away. Its something that could have been prevented, and that is the worst part! my heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. You will be missed my many people!!!!
June 4th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Ted has always been a friend to me in college since 2009.Whenever we run into each other he is either with a banana,orange or lilikoe.Always offering me a fruit that he had pick from somewhere.Yet he has been a good friend to me and always ask how I was doing with my algebra and did help me at times whenever a problem was difficult for me.Came to my home several times for lunch then we would go back up campus after.His such a cool person that I will miss him alot..I just found out about this accident yesterday when I had seen his picture and I still don’t want to believe this had happen to Ted.My condolence to his family.
September 16th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
I remember Ted from my Geology 101 class. He was a friendly, intelligent, wonderful young man. We were good acquaintances from then on, and would acknowledge each other on passing by and say hi. Truly a loss to the UH Hilo community and community at large. My condolences to the parents, the family, to friends who knew him best.