In Loving Memory of Brandon Johnson
January 19,1983-June 23,2025
It is with heavy hearts to announce the passing of Brandon Johnson, June 23, 2025, at Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL. Brandon's appreciation of life was filled with the freedom of not being confined. His life, and ours, irrevocably changed on July 17, 1999, due to a single car accident 2 miles south of Saratoga. Brandon defied death after being life-flighted to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, then moved on to Denver Children’s Hospital. His journey, new life living as a high-level (C4-C5) quadriplegic, was a testament to his incredible strength and resilience. He endured numerous surgeries, flat-lined 13 times, and consistently defied medical expectations. Brandon's acute awareness of his own body meant he would always advocate for his care.
In 1999, Brandon became a powerful advocate for seatbelt safety. While the state of Wyoming was trying to implement the seatbelt law, the Wyoming Highway Patrol used his story to create a documentary about the importance of wearing a seatbelt, which was distributed widely across Wyoming and into neighboring states, leaving a tremendous impact.
Due to better services and the lower elevation, Brandon moved to Orlando, FL. He continued to adjust with the help of my sister and new healthcare providers. He miraculously graduated just one semester behind his class in the fall of 2001 at Cypress Creek High School. And went on to be a speaker at the Orange County Juvenile Justice Center, Orlando, for nearly ten years, helping troubled youth avoid similar difficult situations. For the past sixteen years, Brandon has also developed a brotherhood with GameFace Tattoos, which has been an unwavering source of support and care, especially in his mother's absence. As a mobile advertiser for GameFace, Brandon traveled a reasonable radius around Orlando. To give you an idea, recently his wheelchair has read over 6000 miles from October 2024 to his death. He lived working for these men and loved it.
Brandon never forgot where he came from; Wyoming was always home. He never forgot the abundance of support from his community, county, and state when his life changed. Always appreciative and grateful for those who supported him in need, who traveled to visit him in the good and bad times. We have been blessed with an additional ten years of life with Brandon, and we have been preparing mentally for this day. As his mother and family, we find great peace in knowing he is now on the other side, experiencing joy and prosperity. In 2003, Brandon registered as an organ donor. As a result, Brandon's organs are safely secured and healthy for his recipients.
Brandon survived by his loving family - mother, Yvonne Johnson, brother, Dominic Arellano, sister, Mariana Arellano, his adored nephew, Zayden Hurtado, niece, Aubree Hurtado and nephew Gabriel Arellano, aunt, Gina Helmetag, cousins, Stephanie Arbogast, Savannah Helmetag, special family, The Munroe’s (Thyra, Sandy, Jaci, Travis, Daren, Clint, and Anna), The Arellano’s (Glenda, Gilbert, Tom, Yvonne, Joyce, Kenny, and Raymond), cousin, Ryan Taylor, Grandma #2, Pat Laird, Brothers From Another Mother, Jest Blackrooment, Edward Madera, Edward Bell, and all other GameFaceArtists the past 16yrs., his beloved Susie, Dr. Michael Creamer, all Brandon’s caregivers and Specialists, longtime roommate Ron “Grandpa,” and all those special friends too numerous to mention. And let’s not forget “Words With Friends,” gamers around the U.S. he loved getting to know you.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Yvan P. Johnson and Tetsuko Johnson, Great-Aunt Sonya Lemke, Joyce Johnson, Great-Uncles Hugo Johnson, and 2nd cousin Daniel Johnson.
Cremation has taken place in the care of Compassionate Cremations, Oviedo, FL. A celebration of life and the spread of ashes will take place before the leaves fall, in September, with a date to be determined.
Brandon’s smile and generous spirit will be forever remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
