Haylee Garrison, an 8-year-old girl from Pekin, Illinois, tragically died on April 7, 2017, due to an accidental gunshot wound. Haylee was playing in a bedroom of her home with her cousin, who was of the same age, when they discovered a handgun. The cousin, unaware that the gun was loaded, accidentally shot Haylee in the throat. She was immediately rushed to OSF St.
Francis Medical Center in Peoria, where she remained unresponsive and on life support until she passed away on April 11, 2017, which was her ninth birthday.
The incident led to legal actions against Haylee's parents, Terry and Veronica Garrison. They were charged with endangering the life and safety of a child, which resulted in Haylee's death. The couple pleaded guilty to the charges and were sentenced to a year of conditional discharge. The court acknowledged the immense suffering the parents were already enduring and decided that further punishment was unnecessary.
The tragic event highlighted the dangers of improperly stored firearms in homes, especially where children are present. The prosecutor emphasized the importance of gun safety and the responsibilities that come with gun ownership. The Garrisons' felony convictions now prevent them from purchasing or possessing firearms.
Haylee's death deeply affected her community. Her school, L.E. Starke Primary School, provided additional counselors and comfort dogs to support the students. The community came together to support the Garrison family, organizing a balloon release and other events to honor Haylee's memory.
