A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the community of Davenport, Florida, after a 4-year-old boy, Chosen Morris, accidentally shot himself in the head with a handgun he discovered in his parents’ car. The incident occurred on Friday evening as the family was preparing to go out for pizza, a routine outing that turned into an unimaginable nightmare. The details of the case, as reported by local authorities, paint a devastating picture of how a moment of innocence and excitement ended in irreversible loss.
According to the Davenport Police Department, Chosen’s father, Robert Morris, was in the bathroom getting ready for the evening, while his mother, Quinta Morris, was in her bedroom using her computer. The couple’s other two children, aged 7 and 11, were in the living room. Quinta Morris told investigators that she heard a sudden “pop” and assumed one of her children had broken something. When she went to check on them, she found only the two older children and noticed that the door to the garage was open. Her search for Chosen led her to the family car, where she discovered her youngest child in the driver’s seat, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.
Chosen was immediately rushed to the hospital, but the injuries proved fatal. He passed away on Saturday afternoon, leaving his family and community in mourning. Authorities believe that Chosen, excited about the family outing, had gone to the car to wait for his parents and siblings. While in the vehicle, he found a Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber handgun belonging to his father, which had been stored under the driver’s seat. The gun was not secured with a lock or stored in a safe, a detail that has since sparked conversations about firearm safety and responsibility.
Davenport Police Chief Steve Parker described the incident as a “tragic accident” and expressed his condolences to the Morris family. “As a father and grandfather, I can’t imagine what Mr. and Mrs. Morris are going through right now. Our prayers are certainly with the Morris family as they endure this heartbreaking tragedy,” Parker said in a statement. He also emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership, urging firearm owners to ensure their weapons are securely stored and out of reach of children. “It is critical that gun owners know where their firearms are at all times and, when not in possession of their firearm, ensure it is properly secured with some type of lock, whether it is a trigger lock or stored in a locked cabinet or box,” Parker added.
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. Across the United States, hundreds of children unintentionally shoot themselves or others each year due to unsecured firearms. According to data from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit organization advocating for gun violence prevention, 2023 marked the worst year on record for unintentional shootings by children since the group began tracking such incidents in 2015. Last year, there were at least 411 unintentional shootings by children, resulting in 136 deaths. Already in 2024, there have been at least 21 unintentional shootings involving children, leading to 11 fatalities. These statistics underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and action to prevent such tragedies.
The death of Chosen Morris serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when firearms are not properly secured. While the Morris family grieves the loss of their beloved son, their story has reignited a critical conversation about gun safety and the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership. Advocates stress that simple measures, such as using gun locks or storing firearms in locked safes, can save lives and prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
As the community mourns, the focus remains on supporting the Morris family during this unimaginably difficult time. Their loss is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of children. The hope is that Chosen’s story will inspire greater awareness and action, preventing other families from experiencing such a profound and preventable loss.