Kaiden Vague, a 16-year-old sophomore at Dos Pueblos High School in Santa Barbara, California, tragically passed away on February 15, 2018, due to an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred at the Glass Factory shooting range, an open area approved for target shooting by the Los Padres National Forest, off East Camino Cielo Road. Kaiden was practicing shooting with his father and brother when the accident happened around 1:00 p.m.
Despite being airlifted to Cottage Hospital by a CALstar helicopter, Kaiden succumbed to his injuries the following day, which was also his 16th birthday.
Kaiden was known for his adventurous spirit, sense of humor, and kind heart. He had high-functioning autism and was proud of it, often using his condition to raise awareness for the disabled community. His family runs a nonprofit organization called Softin Inc., which provides seafaring opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In the wake of his death, his family chose to donate his organs, a decision that reflected Kaiden's generous nature and desire to help others.
There were no arrests, suspects, or litigations related to Kaiden's death, as it was determined to be an accidental shooting. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident as an accident, and no foul play was suspected. The community mourned the loss of Kaiden, with family friends creating a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral and medical expenses. The page highlighted Kaiden's unique personality and the positive impact he had on those around him.
Kaiden's death underscores the importance of gun safety, especially in environments where young individuals are present. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with firearms and the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
