A life was tragically cut short on November 7, 2015, in De Pere, Wisconsin, when 21-year-old Tyler J. Waldron, a Caucasian male, died from a single gunshot wound to the head. A 2012 graduate of East De Pere High School, Waldron was known by friends and family as a social and creative individual who enjoyed spending time with loved ones, playing video games, and attending music festivals.
His unexpected death left his family and friends in deep mourning.
The circumstances surrounding Waldron's death were described by friends as a tragic accident. The incident occurred at a townhome where Waldron and his friend, 21-year-old James Vandenack, were "horsing around" after a night out. During their interaction, a firearm in Vandenack's possession was discharged, with Vandenack reportedly believing there was not a round in the chamber.
Following the shooting, James Vandenack was arrested and faced charges of first-degree reckless homicide, felon in possession of a firearm, and bail jumping. Friends of both men indicated that Waldron and Vandenack had been friends for years, further adding to the tragic nature of the event. At the time of the incident, it was reported that both Waldron and Vandenack had prior histories with the police in unrelated matters.
