Sam Linehan Death St. Louis, MO — The St. Louis community is mourning the tragic loss of Sam Linehan, a 28-year-old figure skating coach, restaurant professional, and cherished friend whose life was cut short in a fatal shooting at a Starbucks drive-thru on February 10, 2026. Her death has left colleagues, students, and loved ones devastated by the sudden violence.
Linehan was well known in the Metro Edge Figure Skating Club and the wider skating community, where she served as a coach, mentor, and role model. Growing up as a competitive skater, she represented Team USA with Synergy, earning a Silver medal at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships and a Gold in Skating Skills, accomplishments that reflected both her talent and dedication to the sport.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Sam was admired for her generosity, warmth, and passion for nurturing young athletes. Friends and fellow coaches remember her as someone whose encouragement and presence inspired confidence in all she worked with — from novice skaters taking their first strides on the ice to seasoned athletes reaching for higher goals.
The fatal shooting occurred in the Starbucks drive-thru near Tower Grove Park when a suspect approached her vehicle and opened fire. Authorities quickly took 58-year-old Keith Lamon Brown into custody and charged him with first-degree murder and multiple armed criminal counts related to the incident and other alleged armed robberies.
Linehan’s death has sent shockwaves through both the skating and restaurant communities of St. Louis, where she was known not just as a coach, but as a friend, colleague, and vibrant presence who touched many lives. Her club released a statement expressing deep sorrow and grief while honouring her impact on athletes and families alike.
Family, friends, and members of the Metro Edge community are planning memorials and tributes to celebrate Sam’s life, her accomplishments on the ice, and the positive influence she had on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Sam Linehan will be remembered for her spirit, her mentorship, and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. May she rest in peace.
