NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — On Saturday night, 8-year-old Phillipe' Woodward accidentally shot and killed himself with a loaded shotgun he was playing with in his grandmother's house.
Police say Woodward was left alone with his 10-year-old brother and a 16-year-old family friend when it happened. The 16-year-old was asleep when the gunshot went off, and ran to a neighbor for help. Woodward was taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, where he died.
Youth Services Detectives are investigating the shooting. Police say it is the third accidental child death from a firearm this year, and remind everyone that free gun locks are available at all Metro Police precincts and the Records Division public counter in Madison.
This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher
