September 9, 1974 – February 17, 2013
I’m very sorry to report that in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 17th, 2013, after his show in North Carolina our friend Brian E. Kiley was killed by a drunk driver.
Raleigh, NC’s News & Observer reported:
A fatal wreck involving two cars closed eastbound Interstate 40 near N.C. 54 for more than four hours, according to a news release from the Durham Police Department.
At about 3:40 a.m. Sunday, a Honda Civic driven by Raul Herrera, 31, of High Point swerved into a Nissan Maxima, said Durham Police spokeswoman Kammie Michael in a news release.
Both eastbound vehicles went off the interstate and overturned, and both cars were totaled.
Herrera has been charged with driving while impaired and was taken to a hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening, Michael said.
The Maxima’s driver, identified as Brian Edward Kiley, 38, of Goodlettsville, Tenn. died at the scene. There were no passengers in either car.
Interstate 40 has reopened and the accident site – just east of the Exit 273 interchange in southwest Durham County – cleared.
Traffic had been rerouted off I-40 at exit 273 and on to N.C. 54 from 5:15 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. while authorities investigated the scene.
Brian’s widow, Amber, posted on facebook: “To all my family and friends, this morning I lost my eternal companion. Brian was the best man, husband, father, and saint I knew. There is not a piece me that doesn’t hurt right now, but my continuous comfort is that he is in a good place. I hope that every woman will be blessed and loved as much as I was by their husband. I love you my darling for all eternity.”
Please remember Brian’s family during this incredibly tough time.
Brian E. Kiley funeral arrangements are as follows:
Sat Feb 23
Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints
107 Twin Hills Dr
Madison, Tn 37115
Visitation will be 12:00 – 1:00
Service 1:00
Burial will be at:
Christ Church Memorial Gardens
15354 Old Hickory Blvd
Nashville 37211
BrianEKiley.com
Twitter.com/BrianEKiley
Facebook.com/brianekiley
YouTube.com/BEKiley
One of Brian’s stand-up video clips on YouTube:
UPDATE (Feb. 18, 2013 – 10:50 am):
– Zanies has agreed to do a benefit show for Brian’s widow. When we have a date set, we’ll let you know.
– JJ Brent contributed to a lovely write-up about Kiley’s passing at the Durham Herald-Sun.
– Facebook and Twitter have been a constant stream of love and support and sorrow about this tragic loss from other comedians, fans, friends and family. Jon Reep posted on Facebook: “I’m so sorry to report that my good friend and comedian Comedian Brian E. Kiley was killed by a drunk driver. He just featured for me last night in Newton. I’m at a loss for words. I’m so sad right now. Please keep his wife and family in your prayers. RIP Brian! He was a good comedian and a Great Human being.”
– People are asking what they can do to help Brian’s family. I’d say give them your love and support right now.. Let’s give them a chance to determine what their needs are and how we can best help them.
UPDATE (Feb. 19, 2013 – 9:30 am):
– WSMV, NewsChannel5, WKRN, The Tennessean and the Scene have done stories about Brian.
– Donations can me made to the Brian E. Kiley Memorial Fund c/o Southeast Financial Credit Union
The NewsChannel5 piece:
UPDATE (Feb. 19, 2013 – 6:12 pm):
Brian E. Kiley funeral arrangements:
Sat Feb 23
Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints
107 Twin Hills Dr
Madison, Tn 37115
Visitation will be 12:00 – 1:00
Service 1:00
Burial will be at:
Christ Church Memorial Gardens
15354 Old Hickory Blvd
Nashville 37211
I am so angry to read that a fellow comedians life was cut short by a drunk driver. How can we get involved to make certain his killer is sent to prison ? I am so sorry for his family. RIP Brian E. Kiley
Brian E. Kiley was my best friend. He’d just married the love of his life a few short months ago. His life was instantly changed because in addition to a beautiful new wife, he gained an adorable little daughter. He worked for several years at a credit union in Nashville but a few years ago decided to delve into a passion of his. Stand up comedy.
He really enjoyed making people laugh. In fact, it’s the last thing he did on this earth. He’d done a couple of shows with fellow comedian, Jon Reep.
As much as he’d loved comedy, his new family had changed his priorities. He’d expressed to me he no longer had the desire to go in the road for these shows. He simply didn’t like being away from his wife and child. His marriage had altered his priorities and being the man I’ve always known him to be, this was right in line with his values. He wanted to be there for them and any of his personal desires that would take him away, even for a few days would lose the battle. He’d decided he wanted to dedicate his life to those two beautiful ladies.
This was to be his last comedy road trip for the foreseeable future. He would always head to Zanies to host whenever he could.
He was not only a dedicated family man but also a very spiritual one. He served in leadership positions in his church including several years as a seminary teacher where he taught and discussed the Holy Scriptures to my son and many other children in our congregation.
He was the only friend I’ve had in my entire lifetime that I cannot recall a single negative moment. He took his trials in stride and was always kind. A more compassionate and loving man you will never find.
I pray for his widow and child. I pray for his family and other friends.
While I did did not know Brian E Kiley, I do know at least one person who did and who is hurting today. The simple fact is that one does not need to “know” someone who has died in such a tragic way to feel the sadness and the hurt. My prayers go out to Mr. Kiley, his famiiy, and his friends in their time of sorrow.
I really don’t know what to say. Brian is my sister in laws brother, and I had the honor of meeting him at my brother’s and sister in law’s wedding, and chatting back and forth via social media. My heart goes out to Amber and her daughter, his brother, his sister and my brother, his niece, and two nephews. Brian, I wish that we had the time to get to know each other better.
-Mike
Brian you will be missed by all. My condolences go to his family. He may be gone, but never forgotten!
Zanies has agreed to do a benefit show for Brian’s widow. When we have a date set, we’ll let you know.
I met Brian at Zanies. Of course it was brief but he was so funny and I spoke to him for a moment. He was such a great person even to those he met for a moment. I hate this. I pray for his family. May the pain subside. I remember seeing everyone shake the hands of the headliner Jon Reep that night and Brian was just kind of being overshadowed. I’m so glad I told him how funny and important he was to the show.
I’ve arranged for a memorial fund. Donations can me made to the Brian E. Kiley Memorial Fund c/o Southeast Financial Credit Union. It will be active early tomorrow.
I am very saddened to have arrived home from the road and read this tragic news. I was very fortunate enough to have worked with Brian a few years ago in Jackson, TN and will never forget that weekend.
I rarely get a chance to look at other fb profiles but I recently took a liking to read Brian’s newsfeed. I was moved by the genuine character he displayed of his beautiful wife and daughter. It was real.
Prayers to the family of Brian and the Nashville community. You will always be remembered brother! We love you <3