Isreal Whirley, a St. Louis, Missouri two-year old, found a loaded gun in his father’s car and shot himself in the parking lot of a local auto parts store. He later died at the hospital.

According to reports, Isreal found the gun between the center console and the driver’s seat of the car.  His mother was with him when the incident occurred. Isreal’s father, who was not in the car, was arrested, but has not been charged. 

According to his aunt, the two-year old “loved trucks, flowers and helping his dad work on cars and fix things around the house.” She added, “[a]nd whatever transpired was an absolute accident — they’re not negligent, they’re not irresponsible. They took pride in being young parents and both have supportive families.”

As of Sunday, 18 children have died this year by gunfire across the St. Louis metropolitan area. At least 73 others have been injured.

Sources:

Stephanie Usery, “Father Arrested After Boy Shoots Himself, Dies in South St. Louis,” ky3.com (October 10, 2022).

Dana Rieck, “Toddler Who Fatally Shot Himself in St. Louis Loved Trucks and Flowers, Aunt Says,” ky3.com (October 13, 2022).