Teen Accidentally Shot and Killed By Father At ‘Safe’ Florida Gun Range
A teen was accidentally shot and killed by his own father at a Florida gun range. The horrific tragedy occurred on Sunday at High Noon Gun Shop in Sarasota.
CBS News reports that Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office concluded that the shooting was not intentional after reviewing the witness statements and video footage.
14-year-old Stephen J. Brumby was with his 64-year-old father, William C. Brumby at the shooting lane against a wall when the accident took place.
Florida teen accidentally shot and killed by father at gun range: https://t.co/NqRx0Xo4EP pic.twitter.com/xMlom3J1B6
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) July 4, 2016
According to the police statement, the two were firing rounds when a spent shell casing struck a wall and ricocheted into the back of the teen’s father’s shirt. Mr. Brumby took his right hand — the one he was holding his pistol with — to remove the casing and the firearm inadvertently went off. The gun was pointed directly behind him where his son was standing when it fired the bullet, police reveal in their statement.
The teen’s siblings were also present at the range — a 24-year-old brother and a 12-year-old sister. They were uninjured.
No charges have been filed in the teen’s fatal shooting at the Florida gun range.
Fox News reports that the High Noon Gun Shop had been described in a local newspaper as “possibly being one of the safest indoor shooting ranges ever designed.”
Fox’s report stated that the teen shot himself at the gun range, but other outlets report that the teen’s father accidentally shot and killed his son at the gun range.
Policies at High Noon restrict people must be at least 18-years-old to practice in the shooting range unless they are accompanied by an adult. Teens under the age of 14 with an adult are allowed to shoot for free.
WINK News reports that Stephen J. Brumby was rushed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where he died.
The teen had a total of six siblings, according to the report.
The Brumby family has set up a GoFundMe page hoping to raise $50,000. As of Monday morning, $560 has been donated.
A brief bio of the teen shot and killed at the gun range reads as follows.
“Stephen Brumby, the fourth of seven children and the son of Clayton and Elizabeth Brumby died tragically July 3rd 2016. In his 14 years of life he was described as ‘a meteor that couldn’t be contained’ by his family or anyone that knew him. He loved fishing, tennis music, archery, and knife throwing. He had an insatiable appetite to learn and was constantly sharing his wisdom with those around him. He was passionate about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to sharing his hope with everyone he met. The families’ only comfort is knowing that He is communing with the heroes of his faith and rejoicing in paradise.”
“Your generous gifts and donations will help with the expenses the family is now faced with.”
“Help spread the word!”
Accidental shootings at gun ranges are an uncommon occurrence, but they shine a negative light on the American gun culture that is under intense scrutiny following a spate of shootings from disturbed individuals. The teen who was shot and killed by his father at a Florida gun range was a terrible tragedy despite the safeguards put in place by the gun shop. It goes to show that no matter what measures are taken to prevent injuries or death at firing ranges or anywhere else that involves fire weapons, mishaps still happen and can be devastating.
[Photo via Shutterstock]
