Hunter Thomas Jones, 16, of Pearl, Mississippi, died on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson from a gunshot wound sustained in Rankin County. Reports at the time described the shooting as accidental, and there are no public reports of arrests, charges, or suspects related to his death.

Hunter was days away from his seventeenth birthday and was remembered by his family as very close to them. He often hunted and fished with his father, enjoyed science fiction movies, played guitar for hours, worked at a Backyard Burger in Flowood, and was preparing for his senior year at McLaurin High School with plans to study to become a lineman after graduation. A visitation to celebrate his life was held Tuesday, June 4, 2019, in Pearl, and the family suggested memorials to organizations supporting foster children.

If anyone has information about the circumstances of Hunter’s death or memories to share, please contribute.