A tragic accident took the life of 4-year-old Chosen Morris in Davenport, Florida. According to police, Chosen accidentally shot himself in the head after finding a gun in his family’s car.
A Fun Family Night Turns to Tragedy
On Friday night, Chosen and his family were getting ready for a fun evening. The plan was to have pizza and then return home to play board games. While waiting, Chosen’s mother was on her computer in the master bedroom when she suddenly heard a loud “pop” sound.
Thinking that her children had broken something, she checked on her 7-year-old and 11-year-old, who were playing video games with headphones on. When she realized Chosen was missing, she started searching for him. She noticed that the garage door was open and went inside.
There, she found Chosen sitting in the driver’s seat of the family car with a gunshot wound to his head.
Rushed to the Hospital
In a panic, Chosen’s parents rushed him to a nearby hospital just two miles away. Despite doctors’ efforts, he was pronounced dead nearly 24 hours later on Saturday.
How Did the Shooting Happen?
Police believe that Chosen, excited about their family outing, climbed into the car to wait for his parents. While sitting in the driver’s seat, he found a loaded handgun under the seat. The gun, a Smith & Wesson M&P .40-caliber, went off, causing the fatal injury.
During the incident, Chosen’s father was in the bathroom getting ready for the evening.
No Charges Filed
Davenport Police Chief Steve Parker called the shooting a “tragic accident” and expressed his condolences to the family.
“As a father and grandfather, I can’t imagine what they are going through right now. Our prayers are with the family,” Parker said in a statement.
At this time, no criminal charges have been filed, though police will consult with the State Attorney’s Office as part of standard procedure.
Gun Safety and Protecting Children
Accidental shootings involving children are, unfortunately, not uncommon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that between 2003 and 2021, at least 1,262 children in the U.S. and Puerto Rico died from unintentional gun injuries.
To keep children safe, the California Department of Justice recommends that gun owners:
- Always store firearms unloaded.
- Use a gun lock or store the firearm in a locked container.
- Keep ammunition in a separate locked container.
- Never store firearms in easy-to-access places like nightstands, under mattresses, or in vehicles.
Parents should also talk to their children about gun safety. Kids should be taught that if they ever find a gun, they should not touch it and should immediately tell an adult.
This heartbreaking incident is a reminder of the importance of responsible gun storage to prevent such tragedies.
