Major Smith, a 6-year-old boy from Lakeland, Florida, died on January 5, 2025, after an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooting happened outside his home in the 200 block of West Crawford Street after Major reentered a gray Nissan Altima while his father, Myron Smith Sr., was on a phone call. A Glock 19X pistol left unsecured between the driver’s seat and center console discharged, striking Major in the head. He was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center by his brother, Myron Smith Jr., and died Tuesday afternoon.

The Lakeland Police Department responded and opened an active investigation; authorities confirmed no charges had been filed at the time and asked anyone with information to contact Detective Neal Robertson. Family members described Major as joyful and loving, a caring big brother to twin sisters, and his grandmother, Cynthia Rodriguez, started a fundraiser to help with medical and funeral expenses that quickly raised a significant portion of its goal. The death is noted amid at least nine other unintentional child-involved shootings in Polk County since 2015, three of them fatal.

Are there details people in the area can add about the circumstances that led to the gun being unsecured in the vehicle?