A Tragic Loss: The Story of Chosen Morris
The death of 4-year-old Chosen Morris has sent shockwaves through the community of Davenport, Florida, and beyond. This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of unsecured firearms and the devastating consequences of accidental shootings involving children. Chosen’s life was cut short when he accidentally shot himself in the head with a handgun he found in his parents’ car. The tragic event unfolded on a Friday evening as the Morris family prepared for a routine outing to get pizza. While his father, Robert Morris, was in the bathroom getting ready, and his mother, Quinta Morris, was on the computer in her bedroom, Chosen ventured into the family car, where he discovered the gun. His excitement about the family outing turned into an irreversible tragedy when he found the Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber handgun under the driver’s seat. The sound of a "pop" initially dismissed by Quinta as a broken item would soon reveal the unimaginable horror that no parent should ever face. Chosen was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following afternoon, leaving his family and community in grief.
The Circumstances of the Tragedy
The events leading up to Chosen’s death paint a picture of a typical family evening gone terribly wrong. The Morris family had planned a simple outing for pizza, a routine that many families can relate to. However, the presence of an unsecured firearm in the car would change everything. According to authorities, Chosen, excited about the outing, had gone to wait in the car while his parents finished getting ready. It was there that he found the handgun, which his father, Robert Morris, legally owned. The weapon was not properly secured, and in a split second, Chosen’s curiosity led to a fatal accident. Quinta Morris, upon hearing the sound, initially thought her children had broken something, a reaction many parents might have in a similar situation. However, her search for Chosen led her to the garage, where she found her young son in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to the head. The image of a child in such a state is one that no parent or community should ever have to endure.
The Urgent Need for Gun Safety Awareness
The death of Chosen Morris is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for stricter safety measures. Davenport Police Chief Steve Parker called the incident a "tragic accident" and expressed his deepest condolences to the Morris family. In a statement, Chief Parker emphasized the critical role of gun owners in ensuring their firearms are securely stored when not in use. "It is important that gun owners know where their firearms are at all times, and when not in possession of their firearm, ensure it is properly secured with some type of lock, whether it is a trigger lock or stored in a locked cabinet or box," he said. These words serve as a poignant reminder of the preventable nature of such tragedies. The absence of proper safety measures in this case cost a young boy his life, a loss that could have been avoided with simple precautions.
The Alarming Rise of Unintentional Shootings
Chosen’s death is part of a larger, disturbing trend in the United States. According to data from Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization dedicated to reducing gun violence, hundreds of children unintentionally shoot themselves or others each year. In 2023, there were at least 411 unintentional shootings by children, marking the worst year on record since Everytown began tracking these incidents in 2015. Of these, at least 136 resulted in fatalities. So far in 2024, there have been at least 21 unintentional shootings, claiming the lives of 11 children. These numbers are both alarming and heartbreaking, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and action to prevent such tragedies. While gun ownership is a legal right in the U.S., it comes with immense responsibility, particularly when children are involved. The death of Chosen Morris is a stark illustration of the consequences of failing to meet that responsibility.
The Broader Implications of This Tragedy
The death of Chosen Morris resonates far beyond the Morris family and their community. It raises important questions about gun safety laws, the responsibility of gun owners, and the need for education to prevent such accidents. While the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, it is equally important to recognize that this right must be exercised with caution and responsibility. The statistics from Everytown for Gun Safety underscore the gravity of the issue, showing that unintentional shootings by children are not isolated incidents but a recurring and deadly problem. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for all gun owners to reevaluate how they store their firearms and to take proactive steps to ensure that their weapons are out of the reach of children. Simple measures, such as using trigger locks or storing guns in locked cabinets, can make a life-saving difference.
A Call to Action for Gun Owners and Communities
In the aftermath of Chosen’s death, the community of Davenport and beyond is left to grapple with the pain of this loss. While nothing can bring Chosen back, his story can serve as a powerful catalyst for change. Gun owners must take responsibility for securing their firearms, not just for the safety of their own children but for the safety of all children in their homes and communities. Additionally, broader societal efforts are needed to address this issue, including increased education about gun safety and advocacy for policies that promote responsible gun ownership. The death of Chosen Morris is a tragedy that could have been prevented, and it is up to all of us to ensure that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss. By taking action now, we can honor Chosen’s memory and work toward a future where such senseless accidents never occur.
