Christion Olson died at the age of 18 on July 13, 2024, after he was assaulted in Brunswick Hills, Ohio. More than one year after his death, his parents are still looking for answers about his passing.
Life & Style breaks down everything to know about the case below.
What Happened to Christion Olson?
The teen was found badly beaten after he attended a friend’s graduation event in Brunswick Hills on July 12, 2024, per News 5 Cleveland. Brunswick Hills Police said he was injured while attending the event at Topaz Lane, while investigators said his friends did not know how he got hurt. He was driven home by his friends, and his parents, Christopher and Rochelle, said he looked like he had been hurt and stopped breathing the following morning.
Christian’s death was ruled a homicide, with police saying that autopsies showed he suffered serious internal injuries prior to his death, per local outlet WYKC.
‘Black Rabbit’ Star Troy Kotsur Explains Why He Created ‘Street Sign Language’ for the Role
Christion Olson’s Parents Continued to Search for Answers After His Death
Eight months after Christion’s death, his family revealed they hadn’t given up learning the truth about his death.
“Someone knows something, and we just want them to come forward,” Christopher told News 5 Cleveland in March 2025.
Rochelle added of how the case was being handled, “I think they’re handling it in a way thinking my son was either on drugs or banger by a car. Instead of the suspicious homicide, it was ruled two days after his death.”
“I will never forget what they did to him, but I will forgive them. And I just want them to know they need to come forward because we’re all suffering,” Sarah Howard, Christion’s grandmother, told the local outlet, adding that she missed his presence. “I don’t know how much longer I’ll be here, but I can tell you I miss my daily phone calls from my grandson.”
Following Christion’s death, his family, friends and neighbors walked around Brunswick Hills yelling his name in hopes of getting attention of anyone who may know details about his death.
Who Is EJAE? Meet ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Singer Behind Viral banger ‘Golden’
“They need to see the pain in our face[s], the hurt in our eyes and the love that my son had from the community … hopefully someone who knows something and seen something will say something,” Christopher said.
On the one year anniversary of Christion’s death, Rochelle told WKYC that she felt like her family’s “lives have stopped.” She continued, “We are still just as confused as we were on the day that he passed.”
“There’s still a lot of unclear circumstances as to what happened, when and where,” Christopher added.
The family was supported by loved ones when a group gathered for a Walk for Justice around the anniversary of his death in July 2025, per WKYC. The group marched to spread awareness and encourage anyone who may have information to come forward.
“It’s just absolutely heartbreaking that no one has said anything or come forward,” Rochelle said.
The Olsons also claimed that they had a difficult time getting updates from the Brunswick Hills Police Department after Christion’s death. “There’s really bad communication between us and them,” Rochelle alleged. “We just feel really alone.”
However, Brunswick Hills Police Chief Tim Sopkovich told WKYC in March 2025 that they’re committed to finding out what happened to Christion and making sure the person is held accountable.
About the Author
