Maryland Junior Black Bears 18U AA hockey player Chase Draper was critically injured in a car accident on July 13, 2025, and tragically died from brain trauma on July 15, 2025.
On Sunday morning, July 13, 2025, Chase Draper was reportedly involved in a serious auto accident.
Despite the tireless efforts of the medical team at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) Shock Trauma, Chase suffered severe brain injuries that he could not overcome.
Over the next 48 hours, his parents and family held hope and prayed for a miracle. However, on Tuesday, July 15, his family received the heartbreaking news that he wouldn’t recover.
The young ice hockey player Chase passed away, leaving his parents, Kelby and Tracey Armstrong Draper, brothers, Logan and Cole Draper, aunt, Robyn Toth, and extended family.
Chase’s parents, Kelby and Tracey Draper, shared that their son’s heroic spirit inspired them to make a selfless decision.
They said if it were Chase, he would want to help others without a second doubt.
Even in his final moments, Chase became a Hero Donor through the Infinite Legacy Organization, helping others by donating his organs.
His mother, Tracey, cycles the Great Cycle Challenge to raise funds for kids and support Children’s Cancer Research.
Draper’s brother, Cole Draper, a musician, shared several tributes via his Instagram story. He shared a picture of himself giving Chase a piggy ride, writing:
There’s only one person on the planet who would have been that excited to get a piggyback ride for Christmas.
Likewise, Cole also revealed that he will be changing his lock screen for the first time after 7 years to a picture of the three brothers, writing, “New lock screen for the first time in 7 years.“
His family noted that Chase “desperately wanted to grow up too fast” and believed he could achieve anything.
Chase Draper played as a forward for the Maryland Jr Black Bears, a Tier II youth hockey program based at Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton, Maryland, which is part of the Atlantic Hockey Federation.
He was more than just a hockey player. Known for wearing jersey number 25, he was a fierce competitor on the ice.
Following his tragic demise, Junior Black Bears took to their social media to pay tribute to the outstanding player.
The Jr Black Bears and Howard Huskies called for a simple but powerful tribute called “Sticks Out for Chase.”
They asked people to place hockey sticks outside their front doors to let Chase Draper’s family know that they aren’t alone and support them during this difficult time, writing:
In honor of Chase, we ask that you join us in a simple but powerful gesture: please place your hockey sticks outside your front door as a tribute to his memory.
Howard Huskies
Let’s show his family that the entire Huskies community stands with them in love and support.
Likewise, to support the Draper family, the Howard Huskies set up a Meal Train page, where people can contribute financially or share stories and photos of Chase.
Thus far, details about his funeral services have not been published by his family.
During this difficult time, we pray for the strength of Chase Draper’s parents, brothers, friends, teammates, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Chase Draper!
