A 4-year-old boy has tragically died after he shot himself in front of his baby sister while they were in the car with an unsecured gun.
According to reports, their mother was shopping inside a grocery store in Georgia when the tragic incident happened.
Dekalb County police said the young boy, Miyell Hernandez, found the weapon and ‘accidentally shot himself’ at around 5 pm on Sunday.
Miyell’s 8-month-old sister and 13-year-old cousin were inside the car at the time of the incident.
Police told Fox 5 Atlanta that the mother’s gun was insecurely stored inside the vehicle.
The teen reportedly ran inside the store for help after the four-year-old shot himself but it was already too late.
Speaking to WXIA-TV, Miyell’s aunt, Maria Hernandez, said: “When she turned, she saw my nephew… she went for help and that’s it. Two bystanders called 911 and by then he was already gone.”
Miyell was rushed to a hospital but he died from his wounds.
No arrests or charges linked to the incident have been filed.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Hernandez family. We’re imploring gun owners to always keep their guns safe and secure,” DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos said.
Miyell’s other aunt, Guadalupe Woods, said: “This moment will forever be remembered as my dad’s birthday with the death of our only boy that we have besides my brother in our family.”
Miyell’s grandmother, April Griffin, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “He’s innocent and he’s so pure. Even though he’s not here, we know he went to heaven. We know it.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for funeral expenses. “Keep us in your prayer,” it reads. “We are asking for love and support to fund a tragic moment for our family … Thank you for your love and support.”
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