Utah family honors late son by restoring his dream car to raise mental health awareness

SALT LAKE CITY — Angela and Guy Brown are turning their grief into action after losing their 21-year-old son, Preston, to suicide in March 2023.

Their mission: to de-stigmatize mental health and depression by restoring Preston's dream car — a 1983 Fox Body Mustang — and taking it to car shows and schools across Utah.

Preston, an artistic and kind soul with a passion for cars, had purchased the Mustang with hopes of restoring it alongside his father.

"We only did a few things on it before the worst happened," Guy Brown said.

The Browns say Preston struggled with physical and mental health challenges, especially during the winter months.

"Grief is hard, and especially, suicide is a complicated death," Angela Brown said. "The grief around suicide can be more complicated."

"First time I sat down in the car I broke down," said Guy Brown.

Restoring the Mustang has become more than just a project; it's a way to honor Preston's memory and spark conversations about mental health.

The Browns hope their journey inspires others to seek help and support.

"When you don't feel well and have depression, you don't have that many great days. But on his great days, they were glorious," Angela Brown said.

Through their efforts, the Browns aim to create a lasting impact, reminding everyone that mental health matters and that no one should face their struggles alone.

The Browns have set up a GoFundMe* to help restore Preston's Mustang.

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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