Father shoots son, 14, dead in front of his brother and sister after accidentally firing his weapon at ‘safest firing range’ where kids shoot for free
Florida dad William Brumby reached back over his shoulder while holding his deadly weapon and accidently squeezed the trigger killing his son Stephen who was stood behind him
A father-of-seven in Florida has accidentally shot and killed his teenage son at 'one of the safest indoor shooting ranges ever designed’.
Stephen J. Brumby, 14, was gunned down by his father William 'Clayton' Brumby, 64, in front of his sister and brother at the High Noon Gun's in Sarasota on Sunday.
The shocking incident happened when dad Clayton tried to remove an empty shell casing, which was stuck to the back of his shirt, by reaching back with the hand which was holding his gun.
Tragically, his finger accidentally squeezed the trigger while the firearm was aimed at his boy who was stood behind him with his 24-year-old brother and 12-year-old sister.
According to reports, Stephen’s two siblings watched as their brother bled to death.
The youngster was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
A police statement read: “After firing a round, the spent shell casing struck the wall causing it to deflect and fall into the back of (the elder) Mr. Brumby's shirt.
“Brumby then used his right hand, which was holding the handgun, in an attempt to remove the casing. While doing so, he inadvertently pointed the firearm directly behind him and accidentally fired.”
The father is not believed to be facing any charges in what is being described by authorities as a tragic accident.
Stephen’s mother uploaded a picture of her dead boy to Facebook with the caption: “There are no words”.
In 2013, the High Noon Guns range was described by The Herald Tribune as being “one of the safest indoor shooting ranges ever designed.”
On its website, the gun range says is allows under-14s to shoot for free if accompanied with an adult.
The company prides itself on allowing children to shoot deadly weapons on its premises.
Three weeks before the Stephen’s death, High Noon’s Facebook page posted a picture of a little girl holding a rifle with the caption: “Properly trained kids don't have accidents'.
The post read: “At High Noon Guns, we are firm believers that safety comes first.
"And part of that is ensuring we teach our children gun safety.”
Police officer Goichi Matsumato, who was involved in the investigation, told ABC Action News that he had used to gun range himself.
He said: “It’s a nice location. It seems very safe. I wouldn't think something like that would happen at this location.”
Tragic Stephen's family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with the funeral expenses.
The description on the page read: “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.'
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368