Tragic Accident Claims the Life of 5-Year-Old Boy Who Accidentally Shoots Himself After Finding Gun in Parents’ Bedroom
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Utah, where a five-year-old boy, Brooks Thomas Wilson, tragically lost his life after accidentally shooting himself with a gun he found in his parents’ bedroom. The incident took place on Thursday afternoon when Brooks discovered a 9mm handgun and inadvertently fired a single shot to his head.
According to police, Brooks was at home with his family when the tragedy unfolded. Alerted by the sound of the gunshot, his father rushed into the room and found his son gravely injured. Despite his desperate attempts to save Brooks’ life by performing CPR, the young boy succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have stated that they do not suspect foul play and have not pressed charges against the parents. However, Lieutenant Mike Wall from the Santaquin Police Department did not disclose details regarding how the firearm was secured in the home. The investigation, which includes a medical examiner’s report, is expected to take several months, told People.
Brooks’ mother, Kristin Wilson, is a local preschool teacher, and along with her husband Bryan, they have four children, including Brooks. In a statement released by the Wilson and Hunsaker families on Friday, Brooks’ death was described as “an unimaginable tragedy” and a somber reminder of the importance of taking precautions to ensure children’s safety.
The statement read, “This heartbreaking incident has taught us difficult lessons, and we deeply regret that it unfolded this way. Our hearts are shattered, and we hope that our family’s loss serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly life can change.” In his obituary, Brooks was remembered as a child who “lived his life to the fullest and always wore his heart on his sleeve.”
The close-knit community of around 14,000 people, located 60 miles south of Salt Lake City, has rallied around the Wilson family during this difficult time. Lieutenant Wall noted, “The family obviously is devastated… it’s a shock to the community. It’s always a good reminder of how quick things can happen and how fast accidents can take place.”
A GoFundMe page has been established by the Wilson family to help cover funeral expenses and support them during this challenging period. In Utah, there are currently no laws that penalize individuals for not securing firearms properly if they become accessible to unsupervised minors. Additionally, the state does not require unattended firearms to be stored in a specific manner to ensure safety, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.