Tragic Accident in Paulding County: 19-Year-Old Fatally Shot by 3-Year-Old Who Found Unsecured Firearm

Tragic Accident in Paulding County: 19-Year-Old Fatally Shot by 3-Year-Old Who Found Unsecured Firearm

ATLANTA, Ga. (June 23, 2025) — A devastating tragedy has shaken the Paulding County community after a 19-year-old man was accidentally shot and killed by a 3-year-old child who gained access to a loaded firearm. The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the heartbreaking incident occurred on the morning of Monday, June 23, at a residence located on Eagles Nest Drive in Hiram, Georgia.

According to officials, deputies were dispatched to the home around 7:30 a.m. in response to a report of a shooting. When they arrived, they discovered the young man suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputies immediately attempted life-saving measures, but despite their best efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Tragedy Rooted in an Innocent Mistake

The sheriff’s office reported that the preliminary investigation revealed the 3-year-old child found an unsecured firearm inside the home and unintentionally discharged the weapon while the 19-year-old victim was asleep. The bullet fatally struck the young man, who has not yet been publicly identified pending notification of his family.

Authorities have described the shooting as a tragic accident and are working to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding how the child gained access to the weapon. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials have not yet announced whether any charges will be filed.

A Community in Mourning

The incident has left the Paulding County and Hiram communities reeling with grief and disbelief. Friends and neighbors expressed deep sorrow at the young man’s sudden and senseless death, describing him as “a kind, respectful, and good-hearted young man” who had his whole life ahead of him.

“This is the kind of tragedy that haunts a community,” said a neighbor who lives nearby. “It’s heartbreaking to know that something so preventable could end a young life so early. Everyone in this neighborhood is grieving.”

Family members are devastated, struggling to comprehend how a quiet morning could so suddenly and permanently change their lives. The family of the toddler is also said to be distraught, facing the unbearable reality that an innocent child was involved in such a tragic outcome.

A Call for Firearm Safety

As the investigation continues, the incident has reignited conversations around safe firearm storage, particularly in homes where children are present. According to national gun safety organizations, firearms should always be stored unloaded, locked away, and separate from ammunition, ideally using childproof safes or lockboxes.

Sheriff’s office representatives urged the public to take this tragedy as a solemn reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership.

“This incident is heartbreaking beyond words,” said a spokesperson for the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. “We strongly encourage anyone who owns a firearm to ensure it is secured and out of reach of children at all times. It takes only a moment for an accident like this to occur — and that moment can change lives forever.”

No Community is Immune

While accidental shootings by children are tragically not unheard of, they are always devastating. According to the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, an average of one child gains access to a gun and unintentionally shoots themselves or someone else every day in the United States. The case in Paulding County adds to the growing concern about the availability of unsecured firearms and the urgent need for preventative measures.

Local officials and community leaders have already begun discussing outreach programs and firearm safety education efforts aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

Honoring the Victim

While authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, friends and loved ones have begun sharing tributes online, mourning the loss of a life taken far too soon. Plans for a memorial or vigil are expected to be announced in the coming days as the community seeks to come together to honor the young man’s memory and support both families affected by the tragedy.

In the wake of this heartbreaking event, one message rings louder than ever: gun safety is not optional — it is essential.

If you own a firearm and live with children, please take steps today to secure it properly. A moment of caution can prevent a lifetime of grief.

Rest in peace to the young man lost in this devastating tragedy. Our hearts are with his family and the entire Paulding County community.