SUFFOLK, VA – A 17-year-old aspiring rapper from Virginia, known as Rylo Huncho, shot himself while attempting to film a music video for social media last week. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of following firearm safety rules.
Rylo Huncho, whose real name was Raleigh Freeman III, was recording a video for his Instagram story, showcasing a handgun with a built-in green laser sight and flashlight. During the video, he turned off the safety, pointed the gun at his head, and pulled the trigger. The tragic event was captured on camera as the phone fell to the floor after the shot.
Police in Suffolk, Virginia confirmed that a 17-year-old died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Freeman was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Freeman had a notable presence on social media, with 27,000 followers on Instagram and several songs on Spotify. Despite his growing popularity, the young rapper’s life was cut short due to a moment of negligence.
4 Rules of Firearm Safety: Watch What Happens When You Don’t Follow Them
This incident underscores the paramount importance of adhering to firearm safety protocols. As responsible gun owners, it is crucial to remember that firearms are not toys and should never be handled carelessly. Basic rules, such as treating every gun as if it is loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and never pointing a gun at anything you do not intend to destroy, are essential to prevent such tragedies.
While the loss of a young life is always tragic, it is especially so when it results from preventable actions. Let this serve as a sobering reminder that firearms demand the utmost respect and caution.
Charles Darwin would be excited at such a perfect example of natural selection.