Morgan County
R-I School District is remembering Stover High School's Caleb Brodersen after he
passed away in a car accident Friday, October 14. The sophomore was a 5-sport
athlete at the Class 2 school in Stover, which is located north of the Lake of the Ozarks,
southeast of Sedalia, and southwest of Jefferson City. The Florence, Missouri
native was on his way home from the Bulldogs soccer game at the time of the
accident. Brodersen competed in soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball,
and track and field for the Bulldogs.
The 16-year-old Brodersen is survived by his parents Kevin and Amber Brodersen, sister Alexa, and brothers and Stover running teammates Blaine Brodersen (senior), and Dylan Brodersen (8th-grade).
Caleb Brodersen finishes the 5k race at the Jeff City Jim Marshall Invitational at Cole County Park, September 3. Chris Auckley/MOMileSplit.com
Stover Bulldogs: Morgan County R-I posted on their Facebook account Friday that "Caleb was a sophomore that was kind, athletic, and always had a way of making people smile. He will be missed by his friends, classmates, and staff."
Superintendent Matt Unger released a letter on Facebook that included, "As you may be aware, our district and community have experienced a heartbreaking loss. Caleb was an athletic, fun-loving student who was involved in many school and community activities. This tragedy has impacted our students, staff, and community deeply." It concluded "We know that you will join us in our concern, support, and sympathy for the Brodersen family. Our Bulldog family greatly appreciate your support and prayers during this time."
Brodersen's obituary says, "Sports were his life- cross country, track, basketball, baseball, soccer- he played everything he could. He had just started a job umpiring baseball recently. He enjoyed gaming, driving of any type- dirt bikes, go-karts, 4-wheelers- and loved to wake board at the lake. Caleb will be remembered as funny, independent, lively, charismatic, and so happy and full of life. People loved being around him. He loved life."
Stover's Caleb Brodersen (left), teammates, and brother Blaine Brodersen (right), wait on the official to start their watches and the race at the Jefferson City Jim Marshall Invitational, September 3. Chris Auckley/MOMileSplit.com
While still mourning, the community and nearby communities quickly began to honor Caleb with numerous tributes. The school left the lights on and the scoreboard lit up with Caleb's jersey #1 at the soccer field Friday night.
Morgan County R-I Stover High School photo
KRCG TV-13 reported students created a memorial in the parking lot where Caleb usually parked his car. It contained some of his favorite things, including COMO's Brownies, toy cars, and flowers. Friend Brett Rowland said in an interview with the station that "(Caleb was a very energetic character. He had a lot of energy all the time and if you were in any almost any other mood except for energetic with him, you would always follow his steps...".