Garrett Turner, 17, died from a gunshot wound to the head on March 14, 2016, in the basement of a home on North Flora Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. He had been living with his best friend’s family since the previous August and was a student at Oak Park High School.

A witness in the house reported hearing a loud bang and screaming, then found Garrett grievously wounded on a sofa. A gray pistol and an ammunition magazine were nearby. The Kansas City Police Department investigated and concluded the shooting was accidental after a witness said Garrett had been handling the firearm when it unintentionally discharged. Investigators reported no indication of foul play, no arrests were made, and no charges were filed.

Garrett’s family and community remembered him as gentle and loving, with a deep appreciation for the simple beauties of nature. If anyone knew Garrett or has information about the circumstances that night, please share what you remember.