On March 25, 2024, 18-year-old Shawn Ladean Cooper Jr. of Tallahassee, Florida, tragically lost his life in an accidental shooting. While seated on a front porch, he was unintentionally shot by a 17-year-old acquaintance handling a firearm that discharged unexpectedly. The shooter fled the scene but was later identified and charged with manslaughter.
Born on March 9, 2006, Shawn was a sophomore at Amos P. Godby High School.
He shared a deep bond with his father, enjoying outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. Shawn was also developing his skills as a mechanic. He is survived by his parents, Shawn and Merrie Cooper; two sisters, Alissia Keigans and Mariya Cooper; two brothers, Jaron Johnson and Ryan Lane; and his grandparents, Diane Jones and Donnie Eugene Cooper.
A visitation was held on April 7, 2024, at Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee, followed by a memorial service. Family and friends gathered to honor Shawn's memory and celebrate his life. His untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible firearm handling and the devastating impact of gun-related accidents on families and communities.
