Cesar Lopez, 23, died after an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head while riding as a passenger in a vehicle in Ponca City, Oklahoma. The shooting happened on a Sunday near the Hunan’s parking lot at 2800 N. 5th Street. According to the preliminary investigation, the firearm discharged while he was handling a loaded weapon inside the moving car. The driver pulled into the restaurant parking lot and called 911; first responders found Mr. Lopez deceased.

Born January 2, 2000, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Lopez had moved to Ponca City in January 2020. He was married on August 1, 2020, and worked for RK Oilfield Services. Family and friends remembered his love of fishing, riding horses, and time spent with his son and family. No arrests were made and no suspects were sought after investigators concluded the shooting was accidental.