A tragic incident in St. Louis, Missouri, has shocked the skating community and beyond. Former Team USA medallist Gabrielle “Sam” Linehan was shot and killed while sitting in her car at a Starbucks drive-thru. The heartbreaking event has left her family, students, and fellow skaters in deep grief.
Former Team USA Skater Killed in Broad Daylight
Gabrielle “Sam” Linehan, 28, was attacked just after 10 am on Tuesday. She was inside her car at a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Louis when the shooting happened.
According to police reports, a man approached her vehicle and held her at gunpoint. The suspect allegedly robbed her before shooting her at close range. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the man ordering her to put her hands up before opening fire.
Linehan was rushed to a nearby hospital, but sadly, she was pronounced dead shortly after.
A Promising Athlete and Dedicated Coach
Linehan was a respected figure in the skating world. She represented St. Louis Synergy and Team USA in synchronized figure skating. In 2014, she won a silver medal at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, a proud achievement in her career.
After her competitive skating days, she became a coach. She worked closely with young skaters, guiding and mentoring them both on and off the ice. Many knew her not only as a talented athlete but also as a kind and inspiring teacher.
Her sudden death has deeply affected the skating community.
Suspect Arrested and Facing Multiple Charges
Police have arrested 58-year-old Keith Lamon Brown in connection with the robbery and murder. Authorities say he approached Linehan’s car wearing a high-visibility vest and helmet during the daylight attack.
Investigators allege that he stole several of her bank cards and her driving licence before shooting her. He was taken into custody the following day and has been charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Three counts of first-degree robbery
- Four counts of armed criminal action
- One count of unlawful possession of a firearm
Brown is currently being held without bond at the St. Louis City Justice Center.
Linked to Other Armed Robberies
Police believe Brown was already involved in two other armed robberies just days before Linehan’s death.
On February 6, he allegedly approached another vehicle at a Jack in the Box drive-thru, again wearing a high-visibility vest and helmet. In that incident, he reportedly held the driver at gunpoint and stole her purse, a firearm, and her daughter’s phone.
Two days later, he is accused of robbing a Dollar General store, where he allegedly threatened a cashier with a gun and demanded money. Authorities say shots were fired during both earlier incidents.
Reports suggest Brown has a long criminal history dating back to the 1980s.
Skating Community Pays Emotional Tribute
The St. Louis Synergy team, part of the Metro Edge Skating Club, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
They described Coach Sam Linehan as a cherished skater, mentor, and friend whose influence went far beyond the ice rink. The team praised her dedication to helping young athletes grow and for teaching values like discipline, teamwork, integrity, and resilience.
They also shared that the loss is sudden and deeply painful for athletes, staff, and the entire skating community. Right now, the focus is on supporting her family and making sure her students receive the care and support they need during this difficult time.
A Community in Mourning
The shocking nature of the attack has left many people disturbed and heartbroken. Linehan was young, talented, and dedicated to shaping the next generation of skaters. Her death is not only a loss to her loved ones but also to the wider sports community.
As the legal process moves forward, many are remembering her for her passion, kindness, and commitment to the sport she loved. Her legacy will continue through the students she coached and the lives she touched.
