Brake release kills mower

I have an 08 Dixie Chopper Silver Eagle that I made 3 laps around my yard with last weekend and had to get off to pick up and move planters and when I got back on and started the mower I released the brake and it killed the mower. Bought a new safety brake switch and replaced it today but that wasn't the issue! :( Have checked fuses all good, checked all other switches all good even jumped across on the seat safety switch and still didn't correct the problem. SO before I take the mower to the shop 50 miles away and spend an arm and a leg trying to figure out what and where the problem is, I am turning to yall for help! Thanks so much TK