Trae Spurlock, a beloved member of the Gallatin community, was tragically killed on June 6, 2024, at the age of 26. The news of his death has left his family, friends, and the community in mourning. Trae, an Army veteran and father of three, was known for his kindness, bravery, and dedication to his family and country.
Trae Spurlock was born on June 5, 1998, in Gallatin, Tennessee. He joined the military at 18 and served with distinction until he was medically retired in June 2022. Trae had always dreamed of becoming a Green Beret and making a long-term career in the military. After his retirement, he continued to serve his country by driving trucks and delivering supplies to military bases, a role he was very excited about.
Tragically, Trae’s life was cut short, and his death has sparked an outpouring of grief and memories from those who knew him. Jordan Grim Johnson, reflecting on their time together in junior high, shared on Facebook: "You have a lot of people with broken hearts who have the honor of calling you a friend, a brother, and a father. I’ll remember you as the kind, compassionate, goofy, peaceful and strong soul that I know you were."
The circumstances surrounding Trae’s death have led to a call for justice from his friends and family. Gage Ryan Falconi expressed his disbelief and urgency for information: "For real, any information!? I’ve known him for 15 years…" Many others echoed similar sentiments, seeking answers and expressing their sorrow.
Trae left behind three young children: Astrid, 1 1/2 years old; Mark, 4 years old; and Hannah, 5 years old. His mother, Brenda Cothron, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses and to support Trae’s children. Brenda wrote, "Trae loved being a father and was always involved in raising his kids… All proceeds will be used for funeral services and any remaining proceeds will be put into the children’s saving account."
The community’s response to Trae’s passing has been one of solidarity and support. Many shared their memories and condolences, emphasizing Trae’s positive impact on their lives. Jenny Binkley remembered their recent conversation: "Last time I saw him was in The Gaslight a few weeks ago. He looked good. We talked trucking and hauling cattle. It was so good to see him and heartbreaking to hear what happened. He didn’t deserve that. Rest easy my friend."
The details of Trae’s death are still under investigation, and the community eagerly awaits answers. Meanwhile, they continue to honor his memory and support his family during this difficult time. As Jordan Grim Johnson poignantly put it, "It’s truly wonderful to know how many lives that Trae was able to impact."
Trae Spurlock will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and dedication to his family and country. His legacy lives on through his children and the many lives he touched.
Note:This post was written and edited by Paisley Rivera, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.