Since August 1st, there have been ten unintentional shootings in Tennessee resulting in five deaths.  Three of the deaths were children.

So far this year, there have been 56 unintentional shootings, an average of one every 4.375 days.  18 of the shootings were fatal. Six adults and 12 children.

“Every single one was the result of an adult’s carelessness,” said Beth Joslin Roth, policy director for The Safe Tennessee Project.  “Every single one of them happened because an adult gun owner was careless with a loaded gun.  Being a responsible gun owner means just that – responsible handling of firearms at all times and responsible storage of them, especially in homes with children.  These are not ‘accidents.’ Every one of these shootings could have easily been prevented.”

Of those 56 unintentional shootings, 28 involved adults and 28 involved children.  Of the 28 involving children, 23 were the result of a child pulling the trigger of an unsecured, loaded gun.  The remaining five were either the result of an adult unintentionally shooting a child (3) or the circumstances or shooter’s identify were not provided in the news reports.

According to data from The Children’s Firearm Safety Alliance, Tennessee currently leads the nation for unintentional shootings resulting from children with access to negligently stored firearms with 23.  Florida and Texas are tied for second with 18. South Carolina has had 15 while Georgia has had 14.

Click here for detail on all unintentional shootings in Tennessee this year.

Click here for detail on all unintentional shootings involving children and unsecured guns.

Unintentional Shootings in Tennessee Since August 1

September 6, 2017 – Hixson – Child – Injury
While left unsupervised with a loaded gun, a 3-year-old child unintentionally shot themselves. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. No word on whether charges will be filed.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/36305905/hamilton-co-sheriffs-office-investigating-shooting-in-hixson

September 5, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 11-year old boy found a gun at his bus stop, picked it up and unintentionally shot himself with it.  His injuries are not life-threatening.  No one has been charged.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2017/09/05/police-respond-to-child-shooting-memphis/632381001/

September 2, 2017 – Springfield – Fatality
A 17-year-old boy unintentionally and fatally shot himself in a vehicle. Police report he died of a single gunshot from a semi-automatic handgun. The magazine had been removed but there was still a bullet in the chamber. No charges have been filed.
http://smokeybarn.com/springfield-police-teens-shooting-death-ruled-accidental/

August 20, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
An 8-year-old boy shot himself in his home. The boy’s father had placed a loaded handgun on a bed near the victim and another child.  The victim was taken the hospital where he later died. The father was later arrested after marijuana was found in the home.
http://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/8-year-old-child-dead-after-shooting-in-southeast-memphis/595642288

August 19, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
A 4-year-old boy in Memphis shot himself and was in very critical condition. He was taken to the hospital and died soon after. The boy’s father was charged with reckless homicide.
http://wreg.com/2017/08/19/self-inflicted-gun-shot-leaves-toddler-in-critical-condition/

August 19, 2017 – Clarksville – Adult – Fatality
A distraught 18-year-old man fatally shot himself after unintentionally shooting and killing his 18-year-old friend.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/36191068/police-man-accidentally-kills-friend-then-kills-himself

August 19, 2017 – Elizabethton – Adult – Injury
A 39-year-old woman was target practicing with a black Savage .22-caliber rifle in her backyard. When she finished, she lowered the rifle while she still had her finger on the trigger. The trigger was pulled and she shot herself in the foot.
http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/law-enforcement/2017/08/21/Two-hurt-in-separate-Carter-County-shooting-incidents.html?ci=stream&lp=4&p=1

August 18, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 4-year-old chid was home with two other children and their father when she picked up a gun and shot herself with it. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No word on how she accessed the gun or if charges will be filed.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36170855/girl-4-critical-after-accidental-shooting-on-egan-drive

August 7, 2017 – Murfreesboro – Adult – No Injury
A man playing video game w/loaded AR15 in lap unintentionally fired it, sent bullet into his 75-year-old neighbor’s apartment.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/man-plays-video-game-with-loaded-gun-on-his-lap-it-fires-into-neighbors-apartment

August 4, 2017 – Talbot’s Corner – Adult – Fatality
A man was killed in a reported unintentional shooting in the Talbot’s Corner neighborhood. At least three to four young people who were inside the home have been questioned by police. The shooting remains under investigation.
http://wkrn.com/2017/08/04/police-investigate-shooting-at-home-in-talbots-corner/