Supporting Chesalai: Sudden Loss of Brien & Baby B's Arrival

Supporting Chesalai Brenner After the Sudden Loss of Her Husband, Brien

Hello, my name is Kayla Simar, and I’ve created this GoFundMe on behalf of my sister-in-law, Chesalai Brenner.

Early Saturday morning on April 5th, 2025, Chesalai's husband, Brien Brenner, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep due to unknown natural causes. He was only 28 years old. Brien and Chesalai were eagerly expecting their first child — a baby girl. Brien was overjoyed about becoming a father and was especially excited to be a girl dad. They had just started putting together her nursery and were planning to decorate it together soon. Chesalai is currently 23 weeks pregnant and due in early August. (Please continue to read for updates on Baby B)

One thing about Brien was that he was a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan and couldn’t wait to share that love with his daughter. For Christmas, he received a Chiefs sweater for her, and he was most excited about watching football together this fall — snuggled up in matching gear.

Before he passed, Brien was finishing his final semester at Kansas State University, and was student teaching at Clay Center. He was set to graduate this May. Brien had also recently accepted a promotion at Success Vision to help support their growing family.

Brien was a man of God who loved Jesus deeply and had attended Manhattan First Assembly since he was a little boy. He led with love and generosity in everything he did. A lifelong resident of Manhattan, KS, Brien was known for being the funniest guy in the room, incredibly smart, and for his unwavering love for Chesalai.

Because of his young age, Brien did not have life insurance, and his sudden passing has left the family unprepared for the financial burden of funeral expenses and the difficult road ahead — especially as Chesalai prepares to become a single mother. We are asking for donations to help cover funeral costs and to support Chesalai as she faces the unimaginable — becoming a mother while grieving the loss of her husband and best friend.

An Unexpected Turn

Just one day before Brien’s originally planned funeral, Chesalai began experiencing labor pains brought on by overwhelming trauma and grief. At only 24 weeks pregnant, she was life-flighted to Topeka, where the medical team prepared for the imminent arrival of Baby B.

On April 15th, Baby B was born in a fast delivery. Though extremely premature, she is currently stable and receiving care in the NICU. Chesalai is resting and recovering well — physically — but this is yet another incredibly difficult chapter in her journey.

Instead of going home to begin life with Brien and prepare for their baby’s arrival, Chesalai now faces the challenges of NICU motherhood — grieving the love of her life while navigating the unknowns of premature birth and long hospital stays. Her first months of motherhood will look different than she ever imagined, and she will need our ongoing love, encouragement, and financial support more than ever.

How You Can Help

We originally set a goal to support Chesalai after Brien’s sudden passing, but with the unexpected early arrival of Baby B, we’ve decided to continue raising funds. We know that raising a child comes with significant and ongoing expenses — especially with the uncertainties that can come from such an early birth. As a single mother far sooner than expected, Chesalai will need continued support to care for her daughter and rebuild her life in the months and years ahead.

Donations from this fundraiser will go toward:

* Funeral and memorial service expenses

* Immediate and ongoing financial support for Chesalai

* Support for Chesalai’s extended stay and recovery

* Long-term stability as Chesalai begins this new chapter as a single mother

Every donation, no matter the size, helps lift some of the weight during this unimaginably painful time. If you prefer to give cash, you may reach out to Manhattan First Church or contact me (Kayla Simar) directly for the best way to give. Even if you're unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign is a powerful way to help.

Funeral Information: As a result of these events, Brien’s funeral has been postponed to allow Chesalai the time and space to recover, and for the family to focus on Baby B’s care. We will update with new details as soon as they are available.

To honor Brien’s love for the Kansas City Chiefs, the family kindly asks that guests wear Chiefs apparel when the service is held.