Jaide Tosseth, a 14-year-old Caucasian female, tragically lost her life on Sunday, October 16, 2016, in what was determined to be a firearms accident in Bismarck, North Dakota. The incident occurred at the MacLean Bottoms Shooting Range, a public facility located south of the city. Jaide was at the range with her family, engaged in target shooting, a pastime that took a devastating turn.
On that autumn afternoon, while in a designated safe zone at the shooting range, Jaide sustained a
fatal gunshot wound. The Burleigh County Sheriff's Office was notified and responded to the scene. From the outset of the investigation, authorities stated that the shooting appeared to be accidental. Investigators worked to piece together the sequence of events that led to the tragedy, including a review of surveillance camera footage from the range. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, which operates the facility, assisted in the inquiry.
The investigation into Jaide's death concluded that it was a tragic accident, and no criminal charges were filed. There were no suspects identified, as the evidence pointed to an unfortunate and unintentional discharge of a firearm. The community of Bismarck mourned the loss of the young high school freshman, who was remembered for her vibrant spirit and involvement in school activities. Her family, who were present at the time of the incident, were left to grapple with the sudden and profound loss of their daughter.
