man posing with gun selfie shot killed pkg_00001103.jpg
Man fatally shot while taking selfie with gun
00:45 - Source: KPRC

Story highlights

Gun accidentally goes off while shooting selfie, police say

"It's the worst feeling in my life," uncle says

CNN  — 

A 19-year-old Houston man, a day ahead of starting community college, accidentally killed himself Tuesday while taking selfies with a gun, police said.

The gun blast hit Deleon Alonso Smith in the throat, CNN affiliate KPRC reported.

Family members were shocked.

“It’s the worst feeling in my life,” Eric Douglas, the victim’s uncle said.

“It’s a numb feeling. It’s still unbelievable,” Smith’s grandmother Alma Douglas told the station. “Yesterday was my birthday and he came to wish me happy birthday, and then to hear this kind of news.”

Investigator’s told KPRC that Smith’s cousin was in another room at the time the gun went off.

The cousin told police they found the gun earlier in the day. They’re investigating.

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