Celebrate BARWAY's LIFE

On March 18, 2015, the life of 10 Year Old Barway Collins ended tragically when he was murdered by his father.  (Read more about the case here.)

Barway lived in Crystal, Minnesota, across the street from Becker Park. 

This project seeks to build a memorial that celebrates Barway's life through placing a life-sized bronze statue of Barway at Becker Park. 

UPDATE - 7/8/2024:  We are excited to announce that the installation of the memorial will be completed late summer 2024.

UPDATE - 8/16/2021: We have met (and exceeded) our original goal of $15,000 for the statue.  There are some remaining costs beyond the statue (pedestal, plaques, installation) so we are keeping donations open for a bit longer.

The City of Crystal is a partner in this project and donations may be made directly to the city.  Funds will be deposited in a special initiatives fund for this project. 100% of your donation will go to the creation and installation of the statue. (Donations made through GoFundMe are subject to GoFundMe's regular processing fees.)

Checks should be made out to the City of Crystal.

Indicate Barway Memorial on the memo line.

Checks may be mailed to:

City of Crystal

4141 Douglas Dr. N.

Crystal, MN 55422

Attn: Barway Memorial

Donations may also be made online through GoFundMe.

Donations made to a City for a public purpose are generally tax-deductible. Consult your accountant for details.

We are excited to announce that the installation of the memorial will be completed late summer 2024 and the dedication ceremony will be:

October 5, 2024

Becker Park, Crystal

10:00 AM

Rain or Shine

There will be a short ceremony dedicating the memorial with limited guest speakers.

Individuals or groups who donate a total of $500 or more will be recognized on a bronze plate to be located near the statue.

Any funds remaining after the purchase of the monument (statue, plaques, and pedestal) will be put into scholarships in Barway's name for Crystal Parks and Recreation programs.

This project has been organized by Jeff Kolb,  Crystal City Council Member (2015-2019) and Erin Kolb, Crystal Parks Commissioner (2012-Present).

Statue concept by Nancy LaRoche, Crystal City Council (2017-Present).

The City of Crystal is a Partner in the project.

Media enquiries please use the contact form on this website or call 612-327-3326.

Fox 9 - New effort to remember Barway Collins at Crystal's Becker Park

CCX Media

StarTribune - Push for monument to remember slain boy 

StarTribune - In Crystal, a Monument to a Little Boy Lost

SunPost - Statue planned in memory of Barway Collins