In a heart-wrenching turn of events on a Friday afternoon in Elgin, Iowa, 4-year-old Jayden Choate, a Black male, lost his life in what authorities have described as a tragic accident. On June 17, 2016, the young boy from Fort Atkinson was at a home on Main Street with his mother, 2-year-old brother, and 5-month-old sister for a visit with a family friend. A call was made to the Fayette County Sheriff's office at 2:47 p.m.
reporting that a child had possibly shot himself.
Preliminary information released by the sheriff's office indicated that Jayden was in a room with his two younger siblings, but without adult supervision, when the shooting occurred. He sustained a single gunshot wound to the head. Emergency services transported him to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner confirmed that the cause of death was the gunshot wound to his head.
The Fayette County Sheriff's office stated that the shooting appeared to be accidental, and the investigation continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. There were no reports of any arrests or suspects in connection with Jayden's death. An online obituary described Jayden as a boy who loved to ride his bike, sing, and dance, with a favorite color of red and a beloved song in "Uptown Funk." It mentioned his bright smile and that he was loved and would be missed by many. Counselors were made available at Turkey Valley School District, where Jayden had recently completed preschool, to help students and others cope with the loss. A candlelight vigil was held by the community to celebrate his life, and a private graveside ceremony was held for his family and close friends.
