A six-year-old Hardin County boy has died after accidentally shooting himself with a gun left lying on a table unattended.
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning on West Airview Drive in Elizabethtown. The child, identified as Malachi Fryer, found the gun and took it into his room where he accidentally shot himself, according to media reports. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The gun’s owner, 30-year-old Jacory Williams, of Radcliff, a friend of the boy’s mother, was arrested and charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Williams had come to the home to play video games with the boy’s mother.
Williams was arrested and charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
Fryer had just completed first grade at New Highland Elementary. Hardin County Schools Superintendent Teresa Morgan issued the following statement on the tragedy:
The students and staff of Hardin County Schools and New Highland Elementary School have endured tragic loss. We have learned that New Highland first grader Malachi Fryer tragically passed away early Tuesday morning.
There are certainly lots of broken hearts at New Highland and across the district. A student’s death always brings sadness. However, the loss of such a young child in this horrific manner ripples through our district family.
We have survived tragedy before and we will this time. While spirits are burdened with unspeakable pain, our students and staff will persevere. We ask the members of our community and members of our district family to keep Malachi’s family in your thoughts.
Highland Elementary Principal Chalis Packer released the following statement:
Malachi was special in many ways. He had a smile that warmed your heart, a contagious laugh and a positive attitude. He was a little comedian and the classroom was his stage. He loved people and he didn’t meet a stranger. Basketball was his pleasure and joy. Our hearts are heavy because a piece of our New Highland family is gone. We will always carry him with us.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 20-259-6000
