Our thoughts and prayers are going out to Eric Church and his family as they mourn the loss of Eric’s brother, Brandon Church, who passed on June 29.

The announcement was made via Eric’s fan club page: “It is with great sadness to confirm that Eric’s brother, Brandon, passed away on Friday evening. In lieu of flowers we are encouraging everyone to donate to a Scholarship Memorial Fund created on Brandon’s behalf. You can leave a message that will go via email directly to [parents] Ken and Rita.”

The website for the Scholarship Memorial Fund notes that Brandon was a “beloved son, brother, father and friend.”

The Memorial Fund has already raised more than $15,000.