Brayden David Squires, 22, of Sioux Falls, SD formerly of Volga, SD passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m, Monday, May 11, 2026, at GracePoint Wesleyan Church, Brookings, SD. Memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday May 11, 2026 at GracePoint Wesleyan Church, prior to the services.
Brayden battled long-term depression and sought medical and mental health support while leaning on his faith and family. He fought hard each day, and his family finds comfort in knowing he is now with Jesus.
Brayden was born in Sioux Falls, SD, to his proud parents, David and Tara Squires of Brookings, SD. Soon after, he moved with his family to Volga, SD, where he attended Sioux Valley Elementary School. He was the oldest of five children, with brothers Alec and Tobin and sisters Maleah and Kendyl. From a young age, Brayden’s electric smile could light up a room. He had a beautiful mind, a compassionate heart, and an endless curiosity about the world around him, including his faith. At 18, Brayden accepted Jesus as his Savior alongside friends, and his faith continued to grow until the very end.
As a child, Brayden stayed active in youth football, wrestling, baseball, and basketball. In high school, he participated in wrestling, golf, band, cross country, and National Honor Society. He found his greatest joy in oral interpretation, Readers Theatre, and school plays, where he earned high-achievement awards and often was cast as the lead male role.
A dedicated musician, he played trombone in band and jazz band, enjoyed the drums, and later devoted himself to piano, memorizing and performing complex pieces. Known for his sharp, creative mind, he impressed others with his wide-ranging knowledge and curiosity. He could solve a Rubik’s Cube in seconds, taught his family to play chess, explored cryptocurrency, and challenged himself to constantly learn new things.
Brayden graduated from Sioux Valley High School in 2022. He later earned his associate’s degree as a Surgical Technician from Southeast Technical College in May of 2024. He went on to work at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, where he cared for others through his work. In his spare time, he loved to hang out with his friends to play board games and poker. He also loved cheering on his siblings in their sports and school activities.
Though Brayden often felt like he didn’t fully fit in, he fought every day to find his place. That struggle also became a gift: he noticed people who were hurting and offered genuine empathy. In a world where many are judged before they are known, Brayden could see through another person’s lens and connect in a meaningful way. He had a big heart, a brilliant mind, and a bold, creative sense of humor that was wonderfully outside the box.
In December 2024, Brayden survived a devastating car accident and was airlifted to Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Over the course of more than a month in the hospital, he underwent multiple surgeries and began a long and difficult road to recovery. The accident left Brayden facing significant physical and emotional challenges, but through it all, he showed remarkable strength, courage, and determination as he fought to regain a sense of normalcy.
Brayden is preceded in death by his grandfather, Terry Akin. He is survived by his parents, David and Tara Squires, brothers Alec Squires and Tobin Squires, sisters Maleah Squires and Kendyl Squires, his grandparents Lee and Julie Squires, Elizabeth Squires, and Cindy Akin, uncles and aunts Tammy (David) Hill, Travis (Lacy) Akin, Nicole Nelson and Jarrod Lee, Angela (Jeff) Riley, Bobbi Jo Morris, Cody Morris, Eric (Mary) Squires, Mike (Rakel) Gibson, Aaron (Kelly) Squires, and Callie (Bryan) Kotten; along with 21 cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Brayden’s life was marked by compassion, creativity, humor, resilience, and a deep desire to love people well. Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made on those who knew and loved him will never be forgotten.
Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
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