<p>I read that article too, but especially since the OP is getting an early start, after a few drafts it should be clear whether such an essay will work or not.</p>
<p>However, I suggest tackling a couple of other essays first, and maybe avoiding this issue after all. You don't really want to be wallowing in your brother's death for the next few months, and you don't want college application time (which can feel pretty stressful already) to be inextricably connected with thinking about your brother. If you mention his death in an essay that's more focused on you, that could be more appropriate and easier to handle.</p>
<p>If you really want to, though, and it feels right, go for it.</p>