AUSTIN, Texas – Draylen Mason, 17, was about to graduate high school and had already been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin, but his life was cut short when a package exploded in Austin on Monday, killing him.
Mason died on March 12 at 6:50 a.m. when a package arrived on his door step in East Austin exploded. The explosion was one of three in 10 days, with the first occurring on March 2, killing a man.
So far, police are investigating if the explosions were connected. However, at this time they do not know who is responsible for Mason’s death.
East Austin College Prep, where Mason attended as a senior, was the place where he fostered his love of music playing the double bass in the school orchestra.
“Draylen was an EAPrep Tiger from way back and he was well-loved throughout the school. This senseless act has left a great void for all of us who knew him. We must use our voices to speak out against acts of violence,” said EAPrep Secondary School Principal Erica Gonzalez.
Mason planned to continue to play in college at UT’s Butler School of Music.
“He had a smile that lit up a room and you couldn’t help but smile back when he spoke to you. We will do our best every day to honor his spirit and continue his good works,” said Dr. Juan Sánchez, El Presidente/CEO of Southwest Key Programs.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
Teen killed, two adults injured in two package explosions in East Austin