Kyler Daughtry, a 14-year-old boy from Winter Haven, Florida, tragically died on November 28, 2016, in what authorities have described as an accidental shooting. Kyler, who was a student at Lake Alfred-Addair Middle School, was at the Lakmar Motel where he lived with his mother, Sandra Rosson. On that fateful afternoon, Kyler was in the company of two friends, 19-year-old Donovan Hoover and 16-year-old Dylan Prosser, both of whom also resided at the motel.
The incident occurred when the three teenagers were handling a 12-gauge shotgun owned by Robert Fugate, another resident of the motel.
According to reports, Donovan Hoover had shown the shotgun to Kyler and Dylan before leaving the room. Shortly after, Dylan reportedly attempted to demonstrate how to load the shotgun, which resulted in the firearm discharging and fatally wounding Kyler. The single gunshot wound was described as devastating and unsurvivable. The Polk County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Grady Judd, conducted an investigation into the incident. Sheriff Judd emphasized that the shooting appeared to be accidental, stemming from the teenagers' lack of knowledge and experience in handling firearms.
The investigation revealed that the shotgun was not malfunctioning, and the incident was not deemed intentional. Both Donovan Hoover and Dylan Prosser were reportedly in shock and dazed when law enforcement arrived at the scene. The Sheriff's Office highlighted the importance of proper firearm handling and the tragic consequences of negligence in this case. The investigation into the shooting was expected to take several months to complete, with authorities considering whether any criminal charges would be appropriate given the circumstances.
In the aftermath of Kyler's death, the community and his school were left heartbroken. Kyler was remembered as a sweet and loving young man who was well-liked by his peers. His death underscored the critical need for education and awareness regarding firearm safety, particularly among teenagers. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with firearms and the importance of responsible handling to prevent such tragedies in the future.
