Josiah Frank Cobia, an 18-year-old senior at Rice Consolidated High School from Eagle Lake, Texas, died on April 11, 2025, after being struck by a gunshot in a bedroom of his family home on Donovan Street. Authorities described the death as an accidental shooting that occurred at about 5 p.m. Family members at the scene said Josiah’s younger brother, a minor whose name has not been released, was handling a firearm when it accidentally discharged.

The Eagle Lake Police Department and Police Chief Donald T. Chaney said neither brother should have had access to the gun and investigators are looking into how the firearm came into the home and became accessible. The mother reportedly was unaware a gun was present. Officials said no criminal charges were currently anticipated while the inquiry continues; questions remain about whether the weapon was dropped or mishandled.

Josiah was remembered as an athlete and leader, active in football and baseball and devoted to his family.