18-year-old shoots himself by accident after power outage, police say – A tragic and unexpected accident unfolded early Wednesday morning when an 18-year-old accidentally shot himself in a home on Vernon Avenue during a power outage. The incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m., has left family members in shock and the victim in critical condition as he fights for his life in the hospital.
According to reports, the victim was in his bedroom with his 15-year-old cousin when the power suddenly went out. As they lay in bed, the 18-year-old stood up, picked up a firearm from the bed, and unintentionally discharged a round, striking himself in the process.
Upon arrival, Memphis Police officers found the young man on the floor of the southeast bedroom near the doorway, suffering from a gunshot wound. The 15-year-old cousin, who was present at the time, acted quickly by moving the firearm out of the room and placing it on the bathroom floor to prevent any further accidents.
While the full details of the incident are still under investigation, authorities noted a possible bullet defect on the middle east wall of the bedroom, indicating the trajectory of the bullet.
The young man’s grandfather was asleep when the shooting occurred, but the moment he realized what had happened, he immediately called 911. His grandmother, who was also in the house, did not hear the gunshot because she sleeps with earplugs in. The entire household was caught off guard by the unexpected and devastating turn of events.
This tragic accident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of gun safety and responsible firearm handling, especially in homes where firearms are accessible. Accidental discharges are entirely preventable with proper gun storage, education, and awareness.
Gun safety experts emphasize several crucial steps to prevent accidents like this one:
Proper Storage: Firearms should always be stored unloaded in a locked safe or case, with ammunition kept separately.
Trigger Discipline: Never place a finger on the trigger until ready to fire and always treat a gun as if it is loaded.
Firearm Education: Every household with guns should ensure that family members, especially young adults, understand the dangers and proper handling of firearms.
No Loaded Guns in Bedrooms: Keeping loaded guns near a sleeping area increases the risk of accidental discharge, especially in situations like power outages when visibility is low.
While gun ownership is a constitutional right for many, tragic incidents like this show how quickly a simple mistake can turn into a life-threatening situation.
As the 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition at the hospital, family, friends, and loved ones are hoping and praying for his recovery. Medical teams are doing everything they can to stabilize him and address the injuries caused by the gunshot wound.
His 15-year-old cousin, who witnessed the accident, is also dealing with emotional trauma. Witnessing such an event can leave lasting psychological effects, and mental health professionals emphasize the importance of counseling and emotional support for anyone involved in traumatic incidents.
Memphis Police are continuing their investigation into the case to ensure that all details surrounding the incident are thoroughly examined. So far, there is no indication of foul play, and authorities believe it was a tragic accident.
As they work to gather more evidence, authorities are reminding the community about the importance of responsible gun ownership and safety measures.
The incident has sparked conversations about firearm safety in homes. Some residents are urging for more education about safe firearm handling, while others are advocating for more stringent storage regulations.
Many community members and loved ones have shared their thoughts on social media, offering prayers and support for the young man and his family during this difficult time.
While this tragedy has shaken the family, it serves as a powerful reminder of the need for caution and education when handling firearms. Whether one owns a gun for protection, hunting, or sport, the responsibility that comes with it is immense.
As the 18-year-old continues to fight for his life, his family remains by his side, hoping for a full recovery. The incident is a painful lesson, but one that underscores the importance of gun safety awareness to prevent similar accidents in the future.
This tragic event reminds us all how quickly an ordinary moment can turn into a life-changing situation. Whether through education, stricter safety measures, or increased awareness, taking proactive steps can help prevent future tragedies.
For now, the community’s focus remains on supporting the victim and his family, praying for his healing, and using this heartbreaking situation to raise awareness about the importance of responsible gun ownership.
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