On February 8, 2018, Damion Cortez, a 12-year-old boy from Lubbock, Texas, tragically lost his life after being accidentally shot in the drive-thru lane of a McDonald's restaurant at 50th Street and I-27. Damion was in a vehicle with his family when the incident occurred. According to the Lubbock Police Department, the shot was fired by Damion's teenage sibling, who had somehow acquired the gun.
The police initially treated the incident as a suspicious death but later determined it to be an accident.
The investigation revealed that six family members, including Damion, were in the car at the time of the shooting. The police were trying to determine how the teenager obtained the gun and who exactly pulled the trigger. Despite the accidental nature of the shooting, authorities were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure all aspects were thoroughly examined.
No charges were filed against the sibling who fired the shot, as it was deemed an accident. The Lubbock community, including the school district where Damion was a student, expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Counselors were made available to support Damion's classmates and provide emotional assistance during this difficult time.
Damion Cortez was remembered as a bright and talented child who had excelled in spelling bees and was a big fan of professional baseball player AJ Ramos. His untimely death left a significant impact on his family, friends, and the entire community.
