The Tragic Loss
Ken Mains is a former police officer, criminal investigator, and television personality who rose to fame after his appearances on the Oxygen television series “The Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice”. However, despite his professional achievements, Ken Mains’ life was shattered by a heartbreaking tragedy.
In 2016, Ken Mains’ son, Braden, unexpectedly passed away. Braden was only 19 years old at the time of his death, and the cause of his passing remains unknown.
Braden’s Life and Legacy
Braden Mains was born on November 19, 1996, in State College, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ken Mains and his wife, Kristie. According to his obituary, Braden was a talented musician and athlete, who loved playing guitar, drums, and basketball.
After his passing, Braden’s family established the Braden Mains Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his memory. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who shares Braden’s passion for music and sports.
The Grieving Process
The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy that no parent should ever have to endure. Ken Mains has been open about the pain and grief he experienced after his son’s passing.
In a Facebook post from 2017, Ken Mains wrote, “My heart aches every single day, and I miss my son more than words can describe. It is a pain that never goes away, and it is a journey that never ends.”
Honoring Braden’s Memory
Despite the devastating loss of his son, Ken Mains has continued to honor Braden’s memory in various ways. In addition to establishing the scholarship fund, Mains has written a book about his experiences as a criminal investigator and dedicated it to his son.
The book, “The Most Dangerous Animal of All: Searching for My Father…and Finding the Zodiac Killer”, was co-written by Gary L. Stewart and details Stewart’s search for his biological father, who he believes was the infamous Zodiac Killer.
A Father’s Love
Ken Mains’ story is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the power of a father’s love. Despite the pain and heartbreak he has endured, Mains continues to honor his son’s memory and make a positive impact in the world.
Braden may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on through his family, friends, and the scholarship that bears his name.