In the days leading up to what would have been his seventeenth birthday, the life of Hunter Thomas Jones was tragically cut short. The 16-year-old male from Pearl, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. His death was the result of a gunshot wound he sustained in Rankin County.
At the time of the incident, news outlets reported the shooting as accidental.
Hunter was a beloved son, remembered for being incredibly close with his family. He and his father shared a special bond, often spending their time together hunting, fishing, and enjoying science fiction movies. Described as very loving and protective of his mother, Hunter took on the role of the 'man of the house' when his father worked night shifts. A student preparing for his senior year at McLaurin High School, he had plans to attend school to become a lineman after graduation. He was also an employee at a local Backyard Burger in Flowood and had a passion for music, spending many hours playing his guitar.
In the wake of the shooting, there were no public reports of any arrests being made or suspects being sought in connection with his death. The available information surrounding the circumstances of the shooting has consistently pointed to a tragic accident rather than a criminal act. There is no indication from online sources that any charges were ever filed, nor is there any mention of a trial or conviction related to the incident that ended the young man's life.
A gathering to share memories and celebrate Hunter's life was held on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at a funeral home in Pearl. His family suggested that memorials in his honor be made to any organization that supports foster children, a reflection of his concern for those in need. The narrative of Hunter's passing is one of a heartbreaking loss of a young life, leaving a community to mourn an absence created by a terrible accident.
