Francisco Cortina was a 17-year-old senior at San Benito High School who died of a gunshot wound to the chest on September 5, 2016, in San Benito, Texas. He was active in the school’s Building Trade Program for electrical and welding and the FFA Club, and enjoyed horseback riding, football and basketball. He is survived by his parents Praxedis Jr. and Mary G. Cortina, his sister Cassandra, his brother Praxedis III, and other family members.

The Cameron County Sheriff’s Office reported that Francisco was accidentally shot at a residence on Ranchito Road, off Highway 281. The shooter, identified as 18-year-old Ramon Saldivar, told police the pair were playing with a .40 caliber pistol when it discharged. Saldivar was taken into custody, charged with manslaughter and held on bond set at $125,000; investigators reported Saldivar owned the gun.

The San Benito school district provided counseling and support to students and staff after the shooting, and the community expressed condolences to the family. Does anyone have information about the night of September 5, 2016, or knew Francisco and can share details that might help clarify what happened?