Two Children Killed in Unintentional Shootings Today

While duck hunting with two close friends in Ashburn, Missouri, 18-year-old Trent Busch, was accidentally shot and killed. There is a continuing investigation and officials say it’s too soon to release specific details, but preliminary findings indicate this was an accident with no malicious intent.

Trent was a high school senior. His mother said he overcame an accident two years ago when one of his arms had to be amputated below the elbow; and despite having only one hand, was a top student at the technical school where he spent half of the school day taking welding classes. His high school principal described him as a “character,” and as a humorous, sparkling presence in school. “He was just one of those children who brought light to the building. He’s just beloved by his friends and by us.”

Trent’s family wants others to know that he died doing something he loved and hopes there will be support for the friends who were with him. His mother said her son would “never in his life be upset with his friend for this.” He is survived by his parents and an 8-year-old brother.

In yet another incident in which a young child apparently found a loaded gun in their home, a 4-year-old allegedly shot and killed themself in Memphis, Tennessee. It is unclear how the child got the gun, and currently there are no charges pending against the parents. No other details were reported.

Sources:

Hunter Bassler, Christine Byers, “Missouri Teen Shot, Killed by Hunting Group Member, MDC Officials Say,” ksdk.com (December 11, 2023).

Jeff Bernthal, “Missouri Teen Killed in Hunting Incident Remembered for Joy He Brought Others,” fox2now.com (December 12, 2023).

Megan Fayard, Jessica Knox, “4-year-old Dies After Self-Inflicted Shooting,” wreg.com (December 11, 2023).