Undeclared sophomore Christopher “Dylan” Bynum died Monday at the age of 19 from injuries he received when he was hit by a car earlier that day in Austin.

Bynum was a native of Friendswood and a fall transfer to UT from UT-San Antonio. While at UT, Bynum worked as a student assistant for University Unions and explored the thriving music scene in Austin. Ernest Gonzales, a family friend, said Bynum loved music, something that prompted him to transfer to UT.

“He was a self-taught electric guitarist and songwriter,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales said Bynum played in a band before transferring to UT, won several awards for his musical talent and wanted to someday pursue music professionally.

He said Bynum was like a second son to him and was best friends with his son, Trey. He said he will miss many things about Bynum. 

“He was a fun-loving, free-spirited kid,” Gonzales said. “He just lived for the moment.”

Gonzales said he took on the responsibility of planning Bynum’s funeral because of the close connection they had.

“It’s a tragedy that we lost a very good friend, but heaven gained another angel, and I am sure that he is in our Lord and Savior’s arms, because that was the kind of person he was.”

Austin police say Bynum was hit near the 6600 block of East U.S. Highway 290 Monday around 1:00 a.m. He was rushed to University Medical Center Brackenridge and died shortly after arrival at 1:30 a.m. The driver remained at the scene, and Austin Police Department does not expect to file charges against the driver. Bynum’s is the 62nd traffic fatality of 2012 in Austin. Forty-five fatalities occurred at this time
last year.

UT spokesperson Gary Susswein said Bynum will be honored during UT Remembers, an annual day of mourning at the University, in which multiple events are held to remember members of the UT community that died during the previous year. It normally takes place at the end of the spring semester and involves the reading off of the names of those lost. The Tower is not lit that night to pay respect to those individuals.

Funeral services will be for Bynum Saturday at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Friendswood. A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., when a memorial will begin.

Bynum is survived by his parents, Todd and Carolyn, and his brother, Garrett.

Published on October 24, 2012 as: "Student remembered for passion in music"