Ashton Gooding, a 4-year-old boy from Tampa, Florida, tragically died on July 30, 2017. The incident occurred when Ashton found a loaded handgun in his home, which subsequently discharged, causing severe injuries. Despite being rushed to Tampa General Hospital, Ashton was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. The young boy's death was a devastating event for his family and the community.
The investigation into Ashton's death revealed that the gun was found in the home located on
East Hanna Avenue. The Tampa Police Department responded to the scene and conducted a preliminary investigation, which indicated that the shooting was accidental. However, the circumstances surrounding how Ashton was able to access the firearm were scrutinized. The State Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts of the case in collaboration with the Tampa Police Department to determine if any charges would be filed. As of the latest updates, investigators had not disclosed the owner of the gun or its exact location within the home at the time of the incident.
Ashton's death highlighted significant concerns regarding gun safety and the accessibility of firearms to children. The case underscored the importance of secure storage of firearms to prevent such tragic accidents. The community mourned the loss of Ashton, a young boy whose life was cut short due to a preventable accident. The incident served as a somber reminder of the potential dangers posed by unsecured firearms in homes with children.
