Jayden Choate, a 4-year-old Black boy from Fort Atkinson, died after sustaining a single gunshot wound to the head on June 17, 2016, during a visit to a home on Main Street in Elgin, Iowa. Authorities say the shooting happened in a room where Jayden and his two younger siblings were present without adult supervision. He was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced dead; the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office described the shooting as appearing accidental and continued to investigate the circumstances. No arrests or suspects were reported. The community held a candlelight vigil and a private graveside ceremony; counselors were made available at Turkey Valley School District for those affected. Jayden’s obituary remembered him as a boy who loved riding his bike, singing and dancing, with a bright smile.

If anyone was present that afternoon or has information about what happened in that home, please share what you know.