Funerals set, fundraising underway for father, 8-year-old son who died on Cheatham Lake

Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean
Updated ·5 min read
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Funeral arrangements have been set for the father and son who died Saturday on Cheatham Lake.

A shared visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. Thursday for 36-year-old Steven White and his 8-year-old son Blake Brainard at Spann Funeral Home, 1961 Hwy 48 N in Dickson. A funeral service will follow in the chapel.

White and Brainard died after the Sea-Doo they were riding crashed with a commercial barge at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday on Cheatham Lake. There were no witnesses to the incident, a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officer said.

Employees aboard the barge were able to pull White from the water shortly after the crash, but his son was initially lost in the water, triggering a search that would end in tragedy almost 24 hours later.

Brainard played baseball in the local league, Dickson County Youth Athletic Association. Rather than canceling Tuesday night's game, the team played in memory of Brainard at Buckner Park.
Brainard played baseball in the local league, Dickson County Youth Athletic Association. Rather than canceling Tuesday night's game, the team played in memory of Brainard at Buckner Park.

More about the victims

Eight-year-old Blake Baxter Brainard was born March 7, 2015 in Nashville, according to his obituary. The TWRA originally said the boy was 9.

Blake attended Charlotte Elementary School, where he was in the third grade. His mother, Jordan Brainard, teaches seventh grade math and science at Charlotte Middle School, according to the staff directory. The middle and elementary school are in neighboring buildings.

Brainard played baseball in the local league, Dickson County Youth Athletic Association. Rather than canceling Tuesday night's game, the team played in memory of Brainard at Buckner Park.
Brainard played baseball in the local league, Dickson County Youth Athletic Association. Rather than canceling Tuesday night's game, the team played in memory of Brainard at Buckner Park.

Dickson school officials issued a statement following Brainard's death, citing the resources available for those impacted by the recent loss.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the entire community. We want to be able to provide assistance and the necessary resources available for the staff and students of those schools impacted by this tragic loss," school officials said.

Brainard played baseball in the local league, Dickson County Youth Athletic Association. Rather than canceling Tuesday night's game, the team played in memory of Brainard at Buckner Park.
Brainard played baseball in the local league, Dickson County Youth Athletic Association. Rather than canceling Tuesday night's game, the team played in memory of Brainard at Buckner Park.

Blake played basketball, football and baseball, his obituary said, noting he won two championship rings as team captain and catcher of the J.T. Warriors and TN Elite 9U.

"Blake was a sweet and kind soul. To know Blake was to love him," his obituary said.

Blake played baseball with the Dickson County Youth Athletic Association. Rather than canceling the league's Tuesday games, teams played in his memory at Buckner Park.

Brainard played baseball in the local league, Dickson County Youth Athletic Association. Rather than canceling Tuesday night's game, the team played in memory of Brainard at Buckner Park.
Brainard played baseball in the local league, Dickson County Youth Athletic Association. Rather than canceling Tuesday night's game, the team played in memory of Brainard at Buckner Park.

A moment of silence was held in the boy's honor. His number, 29, was prominently displayed on the field two score board and outlined in red solo cups on the fence. Players wore Blake's number on their helmets and jerseys. Some painted it on their faces. They also wore black ribbons on their sleeves.

"Thank you for showing up for this family. Thank you for loving your community. Thank you for being supportive teammates. Little League, Dixie Youth, or otherwise; we are all Dickson County. A moment of silence is never enough, but sometimes it’s the only way to pay respect because we just don’t have the words," DCYAA officials wrote on Facebook.

A moment of silence was held in honor of Brainard. His number, 29, was prominently displayed on the score board and outlined in red solo cups on the fence.
A moment of silence was held in honor of Brainard. His number, 29, was prominently displayed on the score board and outlined in red solo cups on the fence.

Steven Aaron White was born April 25, 1987 in Hendersonville, according to his obituary.

He worked as a district manager for Rural King at the time of his death and had previously graduated from Austin Peay State University with a master’s degree in criminal justice, his obituary said.

"Aaron enjoyed many things in life including hunting, fishing, and music. Above all those things, he loved spending time with his family; especially watching his boys play sports and traveling with the love of his life, Jordan," his obituary said.

Funeral arrangements have been set for the father and son who died Saturday on Cheatham Lake.
Funeral arrangements have been set for the father and son who died Saturday on Cheatham Lake.

How can you help? Local fundraising events

Several fundraising events are planned for this week.

Two will be hosted by Charlotte Middle School. Proceeds will benefit Jordan Brainard and family, school officials said on Facebook.

A Charlotte Middle School volleyball car wash will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Charlotte's Hometown Pharmacy, 3369 State Hwy 48. A bake sale will be held the following day at Murphy's CB Foods, 3426 Hwy 48 N in Charlotte. The bake sale will begin at 8 a.m. and run until everything sells out, organizers say.

"We continue to wrap our arms around Ms. Brainard and her family. If you are in the Charlotte area on Saturday, stop by and purchase some treats. Thank you to everyone for the support you have shown," school officials said on Facebook.

Blake attended Charlotte Elementary School, where he was in the third grade. His mother, Jordan Brainard, teaches seventh grade math and science at Charlotte Middle School, according to the staff directory.
Blake attended Charlotte Elementary School, where he was in the third grade. His mother, Jordan Brainard, teaches seventh grade math and science at Charlotte Middle School, according to the staff directory.

A golf benefit in memory of Blake Brainard, Birdies Fore Blake, will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Greystone Golf Course, 2555 US-70 in Dickson.

Tournament registration fees are $125 per player and $500 per team. All proceeds will benefit Jordan Brainard, event organizers wrote on Facebook. Contact Brittany Albright at (615) 509-4366 to register.

For those who can't make it to the fundraisers, there are other ways to help.

Blake attended Charlotte Elementary School, where he was in the third grade. His mother, Jordan Brainard, teaches seventh grade math and science at Charlotte Middle School, according to the staff directory.
Blake attended Charlotte Elementary School, where he was in the third grade. His mother, Jordan Brainard, teaches seventh grade math and science at Charlotte Middle School, according to the staff directory.

A GoFundMe has been organized for Jordan Brainard to collect "donations to cover the funeral costs and any expenses she may have as she gets through this incredibly devastating time," according to the fundraising platform.

It had a $25,000 goal as of press time for this story on Wednesday.

"Anything helps, and if you can't donate, we simply ask for your love and prayers to be extended to this beautiful family as they try to piece back their shattered hearts," family friend Jessica Jobe wrote on GoFundMe.

An account has been opened with First Federal Bank for additional financial support.

A moment of silence was held in honor of Brainard. His number, 29, was prominently displayed on the score board and outlined in red solo cups on the fence.
A moment of silence was held in honor of Brainard. His number, 29, was prominently displayed on the score board and outlined in red solo cups on the fence.

Donations can be made at any First Federal Bank branch via the Brainard Family Fund, according to Facebook.

"Any donation would be greatly appreciated to help with any expenses that she may have as she and Avett go through this traumatizing time. If you can't donate, then please continue to keep this family in your thoughts and prayers and surround them with love and support," Kendra-Greg Clayborne wrote on Facebook.

Memorial trees in memory of Brainard and White can be purchased online through Spann Funeral Home. Sympathy cards and other gifts can also be purchased online.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who were the father, son killed on Cheatham Lake and how to help