WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT: A boy who was celebrating his third birthday has lost his life after he was accidentally shot by his older cousin – their family members had left them in a car by themselves
A toddler celebrating his third birthday has been accidentally shot and killed by his four-year-old cousin in “what was meant to be a joyful vacation”.
Brayden Tennyson, from Georgia, USA, was shot dead after his cousin grabbed an unsecured and unholstered handgun inside a vehicle in which both boys were inside of. The horror accident happened while the boys were on a family holiday in Orlando, Florida, to celebrate Brayden’s third birthday.
Investigators have reportedly claimed the weapon belonged to Brayden’s mother. Moreover, the firearm had been reportedly left in the car alone with the two children while the adult looked at a rental property.
A Florida Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said Monday (July 13): “As they arrived at their destination, the two-year-old was left in the car, and a four-year-old family member entered the vehicle and located an unsecured, unholstered handgun.” Family members were outside of the car and had not yet entered the home, when they heard a gunshot coming from inside the vehicle.”
After the fatal shooting, the toddler was rushed to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. Tragically, he was later pronounced dead.
The Sheriff’s Office has stated investigations are currently ongoing and possible charges are pending review by the State Attorney’s Office. Brayden’s family has consequently launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise funds to bring his body back home to Georgia.
On the page, a relative has stated: “There are no words to describe the heartbreak our family is experiencing. What was meant to be a joyful vacation to Orlando to celebrate sweet Brayden’s 3rd birthday has turned into an unimaginable tragedy.”
They further wrote: “[Tuesday] should have been filled with birthday candles, laughter, hugs, and happy memories. Instead, those who love Brayden are left mourning the loss of a beautiful little boy whose life was taken far too soon.”
Speaking to WESH News 2, Brayden’s aunt, Dalfornia Tennyson, said: “His birthday is today.” She added: “Brayden was two years old. He was a real sweet child.
“He was just learning how to say my name”
“Real friendly.” According to the aunt, Brayden “would go up to kids and want to play” and enjoyed snacks – gummy fruit snacks and cookies especially.
She recalled: “He used to say, ‘Auntie, I want a snack!’ He loved those gummy snacks in the pack.
“We love him, and we’re gonna miss him.” Brayden’s sister told the news utlet: “I remember we used to come from school and he used to be waiting on us at the door screaming because he was happy to see us.”
She added: “He always loved eating all my food. He was just learning how to say my name and learning how to go to the bathroom by himself.
“I hate this happened to him.”
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