On April 8, 2023, seven-year-old Draquine Shivar Floyd Jr. tragically lost his life due to an accidental shooting in Fairmont, North Carolina. While visiting his great-uncle's residence on Powell Street, Draquine discovered a loaded firearm. As he handled the weapon, it discharged, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound. The young boy was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident has had a profound impact on Draquine's family and the local community. His mother, Terricka Parks, expressed her deep sorrow, describing her son as intelligent and joyful, and noting the overwhelming silence in their home following his passing. The child's grandmother, Dorothy Parks, emphasized the importance of firearm safety, urging gun owners to secure their weapons to prevent such tragedies.
In response to the incident, authorities charged Draquine's great-uncle with failure to secure a firearm to protect a minor. He was released on a $10,000 bond. Fairmont Police Chief Jon Edwards highlighted the widespread grief caused by the event, affecting family, friends, school officials, community members, and first responders. He stressed the critical need for responsible firearm storage to safeguard children in the community.
The loss of Draquine has prompted local leaders to advocate for increased awareness and education regarding gun safety. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper referenced the incident while announcing the NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) initiative, aimed at reducing firearm-related accidents involving children through proper storage practices.
In the wake of this tragedy, Draquine's family has received an outpouring of support from the community. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with funeral expenses, reflecting the collective grief and solidarity of those touched by the young boy's untimely death.
