Family, friends, and loved ones are mourning the loss of Austin Colligan, who passed away on June 13, 2026, just weeks before his 29th birthday. He was 28 years old.
Born on June 27, 1997, Austin is being remembered as a driven and compassionate individual whose enthusiasm for life, dedication to personal growth, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from family members, friends, colleagues, and classmates who describe him as a person of remarkable determination, infectious humor, and genuine kindness.
Austin is survived by his mother, Carrie Kellogg and stepfather Lonnie, his sister Anna Martiny and her husband Brad, and his brother Ben Dawson and wife Jennifer. He is also survived by his father, Paul Colligan and wife Jennifer, as well as siblings Samantha Platte and husband Hayden, Christina Kaspar and husband Sean, and Nolan Colligan.
His extended family played a significant role in his life, and he maintained close relationships with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Family members say he especially treasured the time he spent with his nieces and nephews, including Harper, Hadlee, Hyatt, Jackson, Olivia, Landon, Gavin, Oliver, Stevie, and Harpy.
Austin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Sharon Napier, and Paul and Rosie “Lola” Colligan, all of whom held a special place in his heart throughout his life.
Education remained one of Austin’s greatest priorities. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management from Western Michigan University, where he distinguished himself both academically and socially. During his time at the university, he became a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, following a family tradition established by his father.
His commitment to lifelong learning continued well beyond graduation. At the time of his passing, Austin was pursuing a master’s degree in Automotive Supply Chain Management at Wayne State University, balancing graduate studies alongside a successful professional career.
Professionally, Austin worked for Penske, where he built a reputation as a hardworking and dedicated employee. His role provided opportunities to travel extensively throughout the United States and Mexico, experiences he embraced with enthusiasm. Colleagues remember him as someone who approached challenges with professionalism and curiosity while building meaningful relationships wherever his work took him.
Outside of his career and academic pursuits, Austin was known for his passion for sports. He was a devoted supporter of Manchester United and regularly followed the club’s matches regardless of time zones or schedules. Friends often joked that no kickoff time was too early—or too late—for Austin when it came to supporting his favorite team.
His love of sports extended beyond soccer. Following a childhood trip to Boston, Austin developed a lifelong admiration for the city’s professional sports teams, becoming a dedicated fan of the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots. He also closely followed collegiate athletics, particularly programs associated with Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan.
Those who knew Austin often point to his sense of humor as one of his defining characteristics. Known for his quick wit and dry comedic style, he had an ability to make people laugh even in difficult situations. Friends describe him as someone who could instantly lighten the mood of a room and create memorable moments through his humor and personality.
Austin’s dedication extended beyond his professional and academic life. Family members say he was deeply committed to self-improvement and personal discipline. Whether waking before sunrise for a workout or dedicating long hours to studying and professional development, he consistently pursued excellence in all aspects of his life.
He was also known for his strong sense of patriotism and pride in his country, values that remained important to him throughout his life and were reflected in the principles he carried into his personal and professional relationships.
As loved ones continue to reflect on Austin’s life, many are focusing on the qualities that made him unique: his ambition, generosity, loyalty, determination, and ability to bring joy to those around him. Though his life was cut short, family and friends say the memories he created and the impact he made will endure for years to come.
Funeral services honoring Austin Colligan’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at South Church of the Nazarene in Lansing, Michigan. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until the beginning of the service. A luncheon will follow, allowing family members, friends, and loved ones an opportunity to gather, share memories, and celebrate his life.
While Austin Colligan’s passing leaves a profound void, those who knew him say his legacy will continue through the relationships he built, the goals he pursued, and the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be remembered as a devoted son, brother, friend, student, and colleague whose influence will not be forgotten.
