John, 

I never met Kirsten Englund, but I feel like I know her. She was a loving mother, she loved the outdoors, was an avid birdwatcher, and she was still hiking beautiful spaces into her 50s.

Her last journey ended on April 28, 2013. Kirsten was driving up the Oregon coast to visit her sons when she stopped at an overlook to see a lighthouse. That’s when she was shot and killed by a stranger.

That stranger never should have had a gun. He had been convicted of a felony, and red flags made it clear that he was using his mother’s name to illegally buy the guns for himself. But two gun dealers made it all too easy for him to go online and purchase guns.

Kirsten’s family wanted to make a difference, to save other families from their mother’s fate. That’s why they reached out to Brady to sue the gun dealers who sold the weapons used to murder Kirsten.

Kirsten with her sons, Nick and Andrew Wiegardt

We won landmark rulings to hold the negligent dealers accountable — setting precedent that is still used today. We got the dealers to pay for the harm they caused, giving some justice to Kirsten’s family. And we got them to reform their business practices to prevent similar tragedies. 

In all of these victories, we sent a message to gun companies across the country that if they irresponsibly sell guns, they will be forced to pay. And that means that people will be a lot safer than they were before. 

As a lawyer for Brady for over two decades, I usually get to know my clients after gun company negligence has conspired to take their lives. But I think I know Kirsten would be proud of her boys, and Brady, for the lifesaving work we did in her name.

That’s why today, I’m asking you to support Brady with a special gift in Kirsten Englund’s name.

Brady is fighting in courts across the country for other families like Kirsten’s — and we’re winning. Our lawsuits are keeping guns out of the hands of those who intend to cause harm. Help make an impact on ending gun violence by supporting Brady with a generous gift today.

Your support helps families like Kirsten’s get justice and change laws for us all.

With thanks for your generosity,

Jon Lowy
Brady Chief Counsel and Vice President of Legal