Investigation underway after boy kills himself at Florida gun range
DEERFIELD, Fla. – An investigation is underway after a teen's apparent suicide at a Deerfield Beach shooting range Thursday afternoon, CBS Miami reports.
The Broward Sheriff's Office said 14-year-old Vincent "Vinnie" Colonna shot himself while with his father at the Gun World gun range on Powerline Road.
A host of Broward sheriff's deputies and detectives, as well as Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue personnel, descended on the range.
The teen's grandmothers, Henrietta Colonna and Ana Rosen, also rushed to the gun range.
"He was doing his thing. He was shooting his weapon as he normally did and he looked up and he was on the ground, on the floor," said Rosen.
Cellphone video captured the BSO rescue helicopter in the middle of Powerline Road set to rush the 14-year-old to Broward Health Medical Center.
The 14-year-old's death has devastated his family.
Henrietta Colonna told her grandson not to come to the range this day.
"He said, 'Grandmom, one more time.' I said, 'All right.' Always careful, he was always careful," she said.
The death was particularly tough on Rosen.
"I lost a daughter not long ago and now my grandson that meant the world to me," Rosen said.
CBS Miami called the gun range, but they did not want to comment.
The range is new and state-of-the-art with strict rules, including that all shooters must complete and sign the range release waiver. Range-goers must be 13 years and older. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by "their parent" on and off the range, and at all times while on the range.
CBS Miami has not been able to determine if the waver was signed.
The Broward Sheriff's Office investigating and they will determine if the case should be turned over to the Broward State Attorney to determine if the father had any fault.
