Childhood friend remembers Cal Poly student Brandon Huang

Posted: Feb 11, 2013 5:27 PM by Connie Tran, KSBY News
Updated: Feb 12, 2013 8:37 AM

The death of a 20-year old Cal Poly student over the weekend came as a surprise to the college community, especially to those who were close to him. Those who knew biology major Brandon Huang, said he was quiet, but when he was around friends, his spirit shined.

"He was always very quiet, very calm, very poised," said childhood friend and former high school basketball teammate Brian Henson.

Henson said Huang didn't care to be in the spotlight much, but he would always come out on top because of his generosity.

Henson remembered, "he [Huang] always was looking to make his teammates better, looking to encourage, looking to do whatever he could to help the team environment."

Henson said Huang was a brilliant student, but his focus and love was on fitness.

"My first experiences with him were playing basketball, and he loved basketball, that was both of our main passions. All throughout elementary, all the way up through high school, we ended up playing varsity basketball together," said Henson.

Henson said he didn't know Huang to have any health issues, so when he heard that his dear friend had suddenly died, it just didn't make sense to him.

He said, "Brandon was not someone who would go out and put his, do anything to jeopardize his health, his safety, anything like that."

Just before midnight on Saturday, Cal Poly police received a call that Huang needed medical assistance in Poly Canyon Village. Huang was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Cal Poly officials said the coroner has still not determined the cause of death. They said foul play is not suspected.

Henson said he's going to shine the light on his buddy Brandon, to honor and remember him.

"Even though he might not have wanted the spotlight, you know it's very well deserved right now. And I would just wish that he rests in peace, and hope that he's up there, smiling down on us," said Henson.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office is conducting Huang's autopsy on Thursday. Results are expected in two or three weeks.