PRESCOTT, AZ — A tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the paramount importance of firearm safety. On Friday, July 26th, at approximately 10:30 pm, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Deputies responded to Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott following a distress call from a man reporting an accidental shooting. The victim, a 22-year-old man, had been shot in the abdomen by a friend during a camping trip.
The group, originating from the Phoenix area, was staying at the UCYC Camp in Prescott. According to reports, the incident occurred after the group had been target shooting in a secluded area of the camp. After completing their session, the shooter attempted to clear his weapon by pulling the charging handle back several times. Believing the firearm to be empty, he pointed it across at the victim and pulled the trigger, discharging a .22 caliber round.
The victim was immediately transported to Yavapai Regional Medical Center and later airlifted to a Phoenix-area hospital due to complications. Despite initial stabilization, the victim tragically succumbed to his injuries following surgery in the early hours of Saturday, July 27th.
The YCSO investigation revealed that there were no signs of impairment or alcohol consumption by the shooter at the time of the incident. The victim was to be the best man at the shooter’s upcoming wedding, adding a heartbreaking layer to this tragic event.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the critical importance of adhering to fundamental firearm safety rules to prevent such devastating incidents:
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what’s around and behind your target.
This tragic incident underscores the necessity for all gun owners to seek proper firearm safety training and rigorously follow safety protocols. Firearms should be handled with the utmost respect and care to avoid preventable tragedies.
“Believing the firearm to be empty, he pointed it across at the victim and pulled the trigger, discharging a .22 caliber round.”
How many times do we hear something like this? What a tragedy. Every gun is always loaded when it comes to deciding to point it at someone. Such a simple rule and yet so often forgotten or disragrded.