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Mother demanding answers in son's death at Duquesne University

On the same day the mother of a Duquense University football player buried her son, she had big questions about what led up to his death earlier this month.

RELATED: Duquesne University football player dies after falling 16 floors from residence hall

In just 21 years, Brown, known as Jalen to his friends left an indelible mark on his community.

Hundreds of family, friends and old teammates came to say goodbye Monday at a church near Washington D.C.

These are the people who loved him, and the people who must now lift up his mother as she struggles with the sudden loss of her child.

"Was in shock and disbelief because I had just talked to my son,” Danelle Brown said.

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On the day she buries her son, what Danelle Brown yearns for the most is closure.

Her grief is compounded by the strange circumstances surrounding Brown’s death.

"I’ve asked questions.  what, where, when, how, and why. And I’ve not gotten any answers from the university,” Danelle Brown said.

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All she knows is what Pittsburgh police have told her.

Campus police officers responded to a 911 call on the Duquesne campus. When they arrived, Brown jumped from the 16th floor window.

"Impossible. Not that kid. He would have never left me,” Danelle Brown said.

Brown said the last time she spoke to Brown, he was still beaming from his 21st birthday celebration the night before.

The son who loved football, but had his sights set on a career as a graphic designer had everything to live for.

"Nothing about this child screamed anything other than I’m living my best life,” Danelle Brown said. "I need to know what happened so I can grieve him, but now I just want to fight for him and find out the truth."

Cox Media Group

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