Brennen Saele, a 17-year-old high school student from Chicago, died on 19 September during his homecoming dance following complications from Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS), a rare genetic disorder affecting connective tissue. He had complained of collarbone pain the night before and was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he died from a ruptured aneurysm. His death has prompted significant community support and raised awareness about the rare condition, with classmates pausing their celebration to show solidarity with his family.

Saele had lived with vEDS his entire life but was not diagnosed until age 15; the condition affects approximately one in every 100,000 to 200,000 people worldwide. His mother, Genesis, also has the condition and explained that his body was extremely fragile, having previously dislocated his shoulder multiple times and requiring three surgeries within a single year. In response to his death, the community has raised over $42,775 through a meal train to support the family, whilst his family has requested donations to The Marfan Foundation, which supports individuals and families affected by genetic conditions including vEDS.