Dawson Nando VanPortfliet was 14 when he was mortally wounded on May 31, 2015, at his family home in Aitkin, Minnesota. A student finishing eighth grade at Aitkin High School, he was active in Boy Scouts and nearly an Eagle Scout, enjoyed martial arts, longboarding, camping, drawing, writing, and was learning guitar. He had recently begun a job as a dishwasher where his father also worked.

Authorities say Dawson was struck by a single bullet when his father, Dennis VanPortfliet, 37, was cleaning a .40-caliber handgun that unintentionally discharged. Emergency responders found resuscitation already underway and Dawson was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center; he died a few days later on June 4, 2015. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. The Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office recovered the firearm and continued investigating to determine whether charges would be filed.

Was anyone in the Aitkin area familiar with Dawson or present at the time who can add details to the timeline?