In the quiet Arrowhead community of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a heartbreaking incident unfolded on the afternoon of Thursday, February 2, 2017, forever altering the lives of a local family. Three-year-old Brooks Steen, a bright and energetic young boy, lost his life in what authorities would describe as a tragic accident. The cause of death was a single gunshot wound, sustained when the child reportedly gained access to a firearm.
Emergency services were called to the home on Afton Court around 12:15 p.m., and the young boy was rushed to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 1:00 p.m.
The Horry County Police Department immediately began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. According to the Horry County Coroner's Office, the initial assessment pointed towards an accidental death. The prevailing belief among investigators was that young Brooks had found a loaded gun within the home and unintentionally discharged it. While the investigation was ongoing in the immediate aftermath, the focus remained on the accidental nature of the event, and there was no mention by law enforcement of any suspects or forthcoming arrests in connection with the devastating incident.
In the days that followed, the community rallied around the grieving family of Brooks Steen. An online fundraising page was established to help with the unexpected funeral costs and to offer some financial relief during an unimaginably difficult time. Friends and family remembered Brooks as a child full of life, with a love for sports, cars, and the family dog. The outpouring of support demonstrated a community in mourning, grappling with the sudden and tragic loss of a young life under circumstances that served as a somber reminder of the importance of firearm safety.
