Symbolic balloon release to honor 20-year-old Folsom man killed in traffic collision

A huge bouquet of black and gold balloons gracefully soared high into the Folsom sky, directly over the intersection where a horrific and devastating tragedy occurred one month before. On June 28, exactly one month after 20-year-old Braiden Flynn was killed in a two-car collision on Folsom city streets, his family and friends held a balloon release ceremony at the site of his death, to honor his life and memory. And while the event was intended to bring some closure over the untimely death of Braiden, his family still yearns for answers, and justice. It was shortly after midnight on May 28 when Braiden Flynn was wrapping up a fun-filled evening with friends, playing Top Golf and having an In-N-Out Burger, when he was killed in a collision with another car at the intersection of E. Natoma and Golf Links Road. It's been one long, heart-wrenching month for Braiden's loved ones, who are forced to come to grips with his sudden loss. Braiden left behind his mother Melissa Grant, father Loren Flynn and younger brother Rowan, along with beloved grandparents and many friends. Especially heartbreaking is the fact that Braiden had recently overcome a rare battle with cancer. At the age of 16, doctors found a huge mass in Braiden's chest, but after enduring chemotherapy and radiation, Braiden overcame the disease. A longtime athlete, Braiden finished out his high school career at Vista Del Lago with an even stronger focus on health, fitness and excitement for the future. Braiden's grandfather, David Grant said the sudden, shocking loss that occurred on May 28, still doesn't make sense…and never will. "There's no rhyme or reason to it," said Grant. "A 16-year-old kid gets cancer, spends two or three years completely and successfully battling it and being in remission and being what they call a survivor, and then a tragic moment cut his life short." Braiden's loved ones gathered near the intersection where he lost his life and blew up a bunch of black and gold balloons - the colors were a nod to an upcoming UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) event, which Braiden was a fan of. Then, they wrote loving messages to Braiden on the balloons, and made the short trek to the intersection where he was killed, to release the balloons. Braiden's mother Melissa said the loss is still so painful and raw, but she's hopeful this ceremony will bring some healing to the group. "I'm hoping so, especially for his friends and little brother," said Melissa. "We're living this every single day…every second, every day. So I hope that this helps; for anybody that's here. It's just one more thing that all of us, and all of his buddies could do to feel like we're still honoring him in some way." Most people adorned a t-shirt designed by Braiden's brother Rowan, to honor his big brother; the black shirts displayed a print: #LLB, which stands for "Long Live Braiden". "The purpose of this was to remember Braiden, to honor his lifestyle which is about healthy diet and exercise; everything a 20 year old kid ought to be," said Grandfather Grant, tearfully. "To honor all of that. And of course the music that Melissa played was an Irish song about heaven, and we released the balloons to Braiden in heaven. So it helped in that respect but it's just another way of remembering what happened a month ago." The Folsom Police Major Accident Response Team (MART) has been conducting the investigation into the May 28th accident. Commander Andrew Bates told The Folsom Telegraph they are hoping to provide answers into what caused the accident soon. "Investigators have a responsibility to look at all sources of information reasonably available before making a decision in a serious case like this one," explained Bates. "Investigators are actively investigating and we will release a conclusion as soon as we are able." "We are hopeful that we will get justice for Braiden and his beautiful life and memory." added Melissa, about the investigation. During the balloon release, the group tearfully watched while the song, "May the Road Rise to Meet You" by Celtic Thunder, played in the background: A song picked by Braiden's mother, father and brother. May the road rise to meet youMay the wind be at your backMay the sun shine warm upon your faceMay the rain fall softly on your fieldsAnd until we meet againMay you keep safeIn the gentle loving arms of God. As the balloons flew higher into the sky, they symbolized many things, including a release of some pain; yet Braiden's grandmother Deborah said this loss will always feel significant; she will always miss her extraordinary grandson. "It's so sad; once I knew he was gone, and I knew I'm not going to have him back again…it's hard," said Deborah. "He was amazing."