Obituary: Brian Kirby
The HVAC industry is mourning the loss of Brian Kirby, an HVAC technician and former Minor League Baseball player and two-time MLB draft pick. He was 46.
Kirby was born on Aug. 3, 1979, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Whole Hog Sports reports Kirby was working with his family’s company, Kirby’s Heating & Air, on April 15 when he was possibly electrocuted. He was working on an HVAC project at the Graves Memorial Baptist Church.
Deputies from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office responded, launching a drone in the area. They located Kirby on the roof near two a/c units.
His obituary says he “was known for his strong work ethic, kindness, and generosity.” Following the incident, the church posted on Facebook to request prayers for Kirby’s family, his company, and all those impacted by his loss.
“He was more than an employee — he was part of our family and our community. Tragically, he lost his life. He was a highly skilled and experienced HVAC technician, and his loss is deeply felt,” the church wrote.
He was buried on April 22.
According to his obituary, Kirby excelled in baseball, playing through North Little Rock High School, where he was named team MVP twice. He later played at the University of Arkansas, where he earned Freshman All-American honors.
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He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 23rd round of the 1997 MLB Draft, but attended Arkansas, where he broke the freshman record for home runs, according to Whole Hog Sports. In the 2001 draft, the Cleveland Indians chose Kirby in the 31st round. He reached the Colorado Rockies’ Triple-A club in 2005.
Kirby is survived by his wife of 18 years, Jennifer, and daughters Jordan and Brantley.
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