Grandparents, Cortney and Carl Browning Jr., are grieving the loss of their beloved 18-year-old, Emmanuel Browning, who passed away on November 2, 2025.
A football player from Portage Northern High School, Emmanuel Browing, took his last breath early Sunday in a head-on crash on US-131 near Martin Township.
Sadly, Emmanuel had just graduated from Portage Northern High School this past spring.
Above all, he had earned a spot on the football team at Davenport University over the summer, signing on as a defensive tackle for the Panthers. However, his dream to play never came true.
Carl Browning Jr., Emmanuel’s grandfather, sought a silver lining amid this challenging situation.
He took to his Facebook and wrote warmly about him, calling him “blessing to family,” writing:
My dear friends and family, this was my beautiful grandson Eman!
Carl Browning Jr.
If you’ve met him you will never forget him! He was and always will be a blessing to our family!
He also expressed condolences to the families of other deceased individuals, “Our hearts go out to all the families even the young lady for whatever reason chose to drive in the wrong direction! 🙏🏽“
Likewise, Cortney Browning, Emmanuel’s grandmother, wrote warmly about him, calling him “light in this world.”
She wrote:
Thank you to everyone who has expressed condolences to my family and I at this very challenging time.
Cortney Browning
My grandson Emmanuel was such a light in this world and impacted every person he met. He left a lasting impression even if it was for 5 minutes, you would never forget him.
“Prayers for all of the families impacted by this tragedy that has forever impacted us all,” she added.
She was a proud grandmom who would boast about his achievements on her social platform. A year ago, she shared about his achievement on Facebook, writing:
So excited to see this young man Emannuel play in his Senior homecoming football game!
Cortney Browning
All the proud Bonus Nana feels going on. 😭🙌🏽🎊🏈🏉📣📢
Both of his grandparents are into spirituality. Cortney Browning, his grandmother, is a spiritual alignment coach and mentor at Unhindered Woman. She studied at Vision International College and Seminary.
Likewise, his grandfather, Carl Browning Jr., also keeps his faith at the forefront. His Facebook bio reads, “God has a Master Plan for my life. I’ve taken detours, but I endeavor to pursue His direction.”
Given the fact that his grandparents are spiritual people, they are finding glimmers of hope while grieving his sudden loss.
Speaking of the details of the head-on crash, he was driving a Ford Fusion heading north on US-131 near Martin Township with five friends when everything went terribly wrong.
A wrong-way driver named Erin Louise Jones, 38, from Grand Rapids, slammed into his car head-on.
The tragic car collision claimed the lives of Erin, Emmanuel, and his front-seat passenger, another 18-year-old.
Three others in the car were severely injured; two among the three in the back seat, a 16-year-old girl from Comstock High School, and an 18-year-old boy, made it to the hospital in critical condition.
But then, heartbreakingly, one among three, a 17-year-old girl from Portage Community High School, Alayiah Lazzara, passed away from her injuries on Tuesday.
During this challenging phase, we pray for the strength of the families of other deceased individuals and pray for the speedy recovery of the two in the hospital.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Emmanuel Browning, Erin Louise Jones, and Alayiah Lazzara!
