On September 22, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Linden, Texas, resulting in the death of 39-year-old Larry Eugene Lawrence. Employed at Crump's Food Center, Lawrence was assisting a customer by placing groceries into the back seat of their vehicle. Inside the vehicle were a dog and a .22 caliber rifle. As Lawrence began to pet the dog, the firearm unexpectedly discharged, striking him in the chest.
Witnesses at the scene immediately initiated resuscitative efforts and contacted emergency services. Upon arrival, paramedics continued life-saving measures; however, Lawrence was pronounced deceased at a nearby helipad site. Linden Police Chief David Dulude indicated that, while the shooting appeared accidental, an investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of the firearm's discharge.
Following the incident, Crump's Food Center expressed profound sorrow over the loss of their employee, describing Lawrence as a "fine young man." The store's owner, Chris Spencer, mentioned in a social media post that the dog may have inadvertently caused the rifle to fire by stepping on it, though this detail was not officially confirmed by law enforcement.
In the aftermath, a GoFundMe campaign was established by the store's owners to assist Lawrence's family with funeral expenses and other needs. The campaign received an initial donation of $5,000 from the owners and garnered additional support from the community.
Larry Lawrence was born on September 4, 1984, in Atlanta, Texas, to parents Larry and Deborah Sellers Lawrence. He was a resident of Queen City, Texas, and a member of Church on the Rock in Texarkana. Known for his love of bowling, watching various sports, and spending time with his best friend, Lawrence's untimely passing was deeply mourned by his family, friends, and the local community.
Funeral services were held on September 28, 2023, at Hanner Funeral Chapel, with interment following at Beech Creek Cemetery. The Linden Police Department extended their deepest condolences to Lawrence's loved ones and reiterated that, while the incident appeared accidental, the investigation remained ongoing to clarify the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm.
