KC middle schooler killed in ATV crash was rising basketball star: ‘A coach’s dream’
Kansas City’s close-knit basketball community is mourning the death of middle school hooper Maliyah Brown, a 14-year old athlete and student killed in an all-terrain vehicle crash in Oklahoma over Thanksgiving weekend.
The young teen was a devoted point guard, traveler and a leader among those around her, her mother Jennifer LeBeau said, defining those as some of the traits that shined through in Maliyah most brightly.
“She was somebody who touched everybody,” LeBeau told The Star. “It wasn’t just the basketball or the athletic world. She didn’t put herself in a box... She cared for everyone, regardless of who they were or what group they blended in with it.”
Maliyah was an 8th grader at New Mark Middle School and a member of the KC Dream basketball program, with the travel club being a focal point in her life. Brown even began training with Staley High School’s team in preparation for the next year of high school hoops, LeBeau said.
In an Instagram post, the program called Maliyah “an absolute joy to coach and even greater joy to be around.”
“There are truly no words to express the depth of our heartbreak,” the post stated. “She was a coach’s dream — smart, hardworking, humble, and always eager to learn. Her positivity lifted those around her, and her dedication inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Losing someone so special, with so much promise and so much kindness, is incredibly difficult to grasp. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit, her smile, and her impact will forever remain with us.”
Maliyah was visiting family with her brother and father in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, a suburb outside of Tulsa. LeBeau was with friends on Nov. 29, the day of her daughter’s death, when she received “that phone call you never want to get”.
She was on the road for the four and half hour trip within 10 minutes.
“Just a blur of driving down there and tons of conversations and phone calls and nurses and doctors and all sorts of stuff,” LeBeau said.
The active family often rode ATVs, which made the incident even more tragic, LeBeau said.
“It was just a freak accident,” she said.
How Maliyah Brown impacted others
Maliyah’s impact was felt by many, as players, their parents and coaches have expressed condolences through social media.
A MealTrain fundraiser for the family has surpassed its $5,000 goal, raising more than $10,000 in less than week.
Some of Maliyah’s teammates have put her number, 20, at the top left corner of their jersey for their teams to commemorate her, according to KC Dream’s social media videos.
A celebration of life is set for Dec. 14 at St. Pius X High School at 4 p.m. The family is asking athletes to wear black jerseys and other attendees to wear team attire. The family wanted to make sure she was celebrated in the place where she sent the most time, a basketball court.
LeBeau said the family is also receiving support from the youth football organization, Necco Raiders, which her younger brother plays for.
The mother recently attended a basketball game of one of her daughter’s teammates just to hear the sounds of bouncing basketballs and squeaky shoes. Her plan was to subtly watch the game, but she was met with kind words and condolences from numerous people.
“We’re so thankful for the groups that we are involved with because they have shown so much love and support,” she said.
Maliyah considered KC Dream as part of her family.
“Thank you for sharing Maliyah with us and allowing us to be a part of her journey,” the program wrote about the family in their post. “We are forever grateful for the time we had with her, and we will do everything in our power to keep her memory alive —honoring her spirit, her joy, and the lasting impact she made on all of us. “Maliyah, we love you, and we will miss you dearly. You may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. Your light, your laughter, and your spirit will stay with us always.”
Along with basketball, Maliyah also ran track. She loved the ocean and animals, her mother said.
The family traveled throughout the country and abroad for sports and vacations, visiting more than half of their goal of seeing all 50 states.
Christmas in their family was usually a time for a family trip for Maliyah and her family, no gifts exchanged. This Christmas is clearly different, with the family simply living day to day in the wake of Maliyah’s death, LeBeau said.
They are still unsure of their holiday plans, but LeBeau will leave it up to her son, born just 10 months after his sister, although she got emotional when speaking about not looking to push him too much or too soon after the tragedy.
“We might end up trying to get out of town,” LeBeau said. “It might be our first trip without her, but we’ll see.”
This story was originally published December 5, 2025 at 4:31 PM.
