A heartbreaking incident occurred in Douglas, Georgia when a two-year-old boy, Nakyzi Odums, accidentally shot himself in a car in a Walmart parking lot on July 3, 2024. The tragic event unfolded mere feet away from where his parents were purchasing fireworks at a nearby stand.
According to eyewitness accounts, parents Sam Odums and Laileighauna Parks were outside their car selecting fireworks when they heard a loud noise. Upon rushing back to their vehicle, they discovered their toddler had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite immediate medical intervention and subsequent transfer to a trauma center in Jacksonville, Florida, Nakyzi succumbed to his injuries on July 6, 2024.
The Douglas Police Department released a statement acknowledging the child’s death: “The toddler who accidentally shot himself on July 3, 2024 tragically died this afternoon, July 6, 2024. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this challenging period.”
A GoFundMe page, set up to assist the family with funeral expenses, portrays Nakyzi as a child who “smiled brightly, laughed wholeheartedly, and loved unconditionally,” according to a description by his grandmother.
Douglas Police Chief, Brannen Pruette, emphasized the significance of gun safety, particularly around children. “You’re allowed to have a gun in the car, but when there’s a child involved, you need to make sure that the gun is secure so that the child doesn’t have access to it,” Pruette stated. The investigation into how Nakyzi was able to access the firearm is ongoing.
Witnesses have suggested that Nakyzi was seated in the front of the vehicle and the gun may have been stored in the car door’s side pocket, within the toddler’s reach. The authorities are investigating these details to determine whether there was any parental negligence or oversight. It’s still undetermined whether charges will be filed against the parents relating to the incident.
The community is rallying around the grieving family, expressing both their condolences and support. Nakyzi’s grandmother, in her appeal for donations on the GoFundMe page, wrote, “As one of his grandmothers, I am stepping in and requesting support of burial for our sweet baby. Donations will also allow his mom and dad time to grieve properly. Please donate anything you desire if it’s in your heart and will.”