On May 15, 2017, 14-year-old Eric Nelson was tragically shot and killed in his home in Princeton, Minnesota. Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at the residence on 15th Avenue North shortly before 4 p.m., discovering Eric's lifeless body inside. Another 14-year-old boy from Sherburne County was present at the scene during the incident.
Eric was a well-liked eighth grader at Princeton Middle School, known for his enthusiasm, kindness, and sense of humor. Just days before his death, he was recognized at the school's Character Trait Breakfast, receiving an award for enthusiasm—a testament to his positive spirit. His sudden passing left the school community and his family devastated.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community rallied to support the Nelson family. Hundreds of classmates and community members attended a prayer vigil at New Life Church in Princeton, where they shared memories and offered prayers. Eric's father, Dan Nelson, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and emphasized the importance of gun safety and education to prevent similar tragedies.
Investigations revealed that the firearm involved in the shooting belonged to Eric's father, Daniel Nelson. He had inadvertently left the loaded handgun accessible in the home. In May 2018, Daniel Nelson was charged with negligent storage of firearms and two counts of child endangerment in connection with his son's death. These charges underscored the critical need for responsible firearm storage to ensure children's safety.
Eric's untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of unsecured firearms in households. His family and community continue to advocate for increased awareness and education on gun safety to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
