Tyron Smith, 16, died on December 15, 2024 after an accidental gunshot wound at a home on Burwood Avenue in Dayton, Ohio. Smith and three other teenagers had been handling a semi-automatic handgun, reportedly passing it around while taking photos and recording videos for social media, when the firearm discharged and struck him in the chest. He was taken to Miami Valley Hospital and pronounced dead.

Investigators say Smith had brought the gun to the gathering. A fifth juvenile was in the house but upstairs playing video games when the shooting occurred. Authorities took a 15-year-old girl into custody and charged her in connection with the death; at a court appearance both the girl’s mother and Smith’s mother—who have been best friends for two decades and for whom Smith’s mother is also the girl’s godmother—said they believe the shooting was unintentional. The judge kept the 15-year-old in custody pending further information.

The case highlights firearm safety and the risks when minors handle unsecured weapons. If anyone at the Burwood Avenue residence that night or anyone with relevant information can help, please come forward.