In the late afternoon of January 28, 2020, a young Caucasian man named Austin James Wilson, age 22, died in Spokane, Washington. He had only just returned to Spokane the day before, eager to begin a new chapter of his life with his friends and girlfriend.
On that Tuesday, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Wilson and his girlfriend were in the drive-thru line at the Supreme Bean coffee stand on North Hamilton Street.
While waiting, he began recounting a story to his girlfriend about a time he had accidentally shot himself in the foot years prior. He then took out a wooden-handled revolver from the center console of the vehicle.
As he was laughing and spinning the firearm on his finger, the gun unintentionally discharged, striking him in the chest. His girlfriend immediately called 911 at his request. Emergency services transported him to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.
Tragically, about an hour later, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Austin James Wilson succumbed to his injuries. The Spokane County Medical Examiner later officially ruled his death an accident. As his death was determined to be a result of a self-inflicted accident, there were no arrests made, and no suspects were sought in connection with the incident.
