Broward community mourns after 34-year-old musician dies from coronavirus

Grieving mother also praying for 2 of her other children, also confirmed to have COVID-19

LAUDERHILL, Fla. – A Broward County mother is grieving the death of her son, who died after contracting coronavirus, while praying for two of her other children that also have tested positive for COVID-19.

Brandon Robinson was only 34 years old.

Loved ones of Robinson, who lived in Lauderhill, say his voice, and his spirit, were enormous.

"When he opened his mouth with that beautiful voice, it matched his personality a lot," said Lavon Gates, Brandon's mother. "He lived to make people happy."

She said he had been grieving the death of his father from several month ago, so he was stressed and not feeling well.

On Thursday of last week, he asked for prayers on Facebook before heading to the emergency room.

“He said, ‘Mom, I’m gonna come home. I’ll be back and I’ll take care of you,’” Lavon said. “He didn’t come.”

Brandon was a singer and songwriter recently recording a new album.

“He would show up and start singing with that voice,” said friend Al D’Amico. “Incredible talent.”

Robinson’s mother isn’t just mourning his death though, as she is also concerned for two of her other children who said they also tested positive for COVID-19.

Keyana Gates, who is just 28 years old, spoke with Local 10 News’ Janine Stanwood on the phone.

She was recently released from the hospital and is currently taking oxygen treatments.

“I’m having a hard time breathing,” Keyana said. “I honestly with I could start 2020 all over again.”

Leonard Robinson-Gates, 36, is still being treated at the hospital.

A GoFundMe page was started to help Robinson’s family with funeral costs, which can be found by clicking here.

“I will tell anyone this is not a game,” said Lavon. “I want people to know that this is serious.”


About the Author:

Janine Stanwood joined Local 10 News in February 2004 as an assignment editor. She is now a general assignment reporter. Before moving to South Florida from her Washington home, Janine was the senior legislative correspondent for a United States senator on Capitol Hill.