Former Hobart High School wrestler Brendan Drew Black tragically passed away on Friday.
Brendan Drew Black, born in 1998, was raised in Hobart. He was a freshman wrestler at Michigan State University during the 2017-18 season and competed at 133 pounds while redshirting his first year.
A native of Hobart, Indiana, and a graduate of Hobart High School, Black was a four-time varsity letter winner and served as team captain for three years.
He capped off his high school career by winning a state title and posting an impressive 38-1 record in his senior year.
In addition to wrestling, he also played football. During his redshirt season at MSU, he competed in open tournaments, including the CSU Open, finishing with a 0-2 record.
Brendan Drew Black Remembered: Mother Shares Heartbreaking News On Social Media
Brendan Drew Black of Hobart, Indiana, took his last breath on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 26. However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
His mother, Kylee Nichole, wrote,
Brendan Drew Black, age 26, of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of Hobart, IN, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. Until we ride again my boy rest easy, Mommas got it from here.
Kylee Nichole
Aurora University graduate Cody Bryant took to his official Facebook handle and remembered his time with Brendan. He wrote,
Took the past few days to just reflect and reminisce on old times, but my heart truly hurts! Not only for myself, but for all of mine and Brendan’s friends and family that were so close to him. Brendan was not only one of my bestfriends growing up but at many times more of a brother! I spent YEARS at his house nearly every weekend, going to football games on Friday nights, IMAX movies, apple orchards, haunted houses, and way to much ding dong ditching and terrorizing our home town. Easy to say, I will always remember him as a strong, outgoing, and an extremely goofy ass guy! We love you and will all miss you very very much B. A legend, lost but never forgotten!
Cody Bryant
Leslie Guzman also took to her social media handle and offered heartfelt condolences to Brendan. She wrote,
My heart is at a complete loss for Kylee and her family! We watched this young man play football with our son and over the years we grew as a Brickie family. We watched on the sidelines together, screamed our lungs out together to see the boys do their best and now we cry together because this is a complete utter lost! Kylee Nichole I know you loved your boy as much as I love my boy and girl I can’t stop crying my eyes out! Let’s support Kylee and her family and make this transition as easy as possible as she lays her boy to rest! I know he loved just like his mama loved. Their “bond” was evident to anyone who knew them!
Leslie Guzman
Crown Point, Indianapolis resident Jessica Cadle organized a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to help the Brendan family with funeral costs.
The campaign aims to collect $20k, but it has only collected $4,875.
Melissa Persho also shared the official link of the campaign on her Facebook handle and requested everyone to donate. She wrote,
This is my friend Kylee’s son Brendan. The photos you see are of him, the love of his life Olivia and their two beautiful little girls. No parents should ever have to bury their child. He was 26 years old. He was a champion wrestler at Hobart high school and he was a champion human being.. He’s just like his mother an amazing human being. Even if you can’t contribute… Please just say a prayer for Kylee and her family… Rest in peace Brendan keep watch over your mom and Olivia and your beautiful little girls 🕊️🕊️🕊️
Melissa Perisho
Friends are invited to visit the family on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre, 606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
An additional visit will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 352 S Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Tony Sorci officiating.
Brendan will always be remembered for his contributions as a wrestler and footballer. Rest in Paradise, Brendan Drew Black.
Brendan Drew Black Is Survived By His Partner, Olivia, And Two Daughters
Brendan Drew Black lived with his partner, Olivia VanNieulande, whom he met at Hobart High School.
According to Olivia’s Facebook handle, she serves as a lifeguard at Deep River Waterpark.
Brendan and Olivia were blessed with two little daughters: Drew and Charlie Black.
Currently, Olivia is mourning the tragic death of her partner, Brendan Olivia Black.
Close ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Olivia to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Olivia’s cousin Taylor Bork lives in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and studied Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
- Black’s mother, Kylee Nichole, lives in Valparaiso, Indianapolis, and served as the Vice President of Sales and Operations at Radiant Dental Laboratory.
- Olivia’s cousin Taylor Bork lives in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and studied Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
