Cleveland Fulton, a 17-year-old African American male from Palatka, Florida, tragically died on February 29, 2016. The incident occurred when Cleveland accidentally shot himself in the head with a handgun. The shooting took place around 5 p.m. on Benham Street in Palatka. Cleveland was immediately taken to Putnam Community Medical Center and later flown to Shands Hospital in Gainesville in critical condition.
Despite the medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Cleveland was a junior at Palatka High School, where he was well-liked by his peers and teachers. He was known for his interest in boxing and was described as a fun-loving and respectful student. His death left a significant impact on the school community, with grief counselors being brought in to support the students.
The Palatka Police Department conducted an investigation into the incident. According to the police, Cleveland and several friends were at a friend's house when they somehow got hold of a handgun. It remains unclear whether Cleveland accidentally or intentionally shot himself. The police interviewed witnesses to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting. At the time of the investigation, the police stated that nothing about the case appeared to be criminal, and they were unsure who owned the gun.
Cleveland's family, including his stepmother who had raised him since he was two years old, expressed their devastation over his death. They remembered him as a sweet and playful child who loved to joke around with his friends. The incident was a heartbreaking loss for both his family and the community, highlighting the tragic consequences of gun accidents among teenagers.
