Eleven-year-old Thomas Tom Belanger died on the morning of July 23, 2015, after an accidental shooting at his grandparents’ home on Tobis Road in Star Township near Alba, Antrim County, Michigan. Thomas had been spending the morning with his 14-year-old brother when the boys gained access to their grandfather’s .357-caliber revolver, which investigators say had been stored unloaded in a dresser drawer. The brothers also obtained ammunition elsewhere in the residence.

According to the sheriff’s office, Thomas was carrying the revolver inside a makeshift fort when he tripped over boards; the firearm discharged as he fell and struck him in the face. He was pronounced dead that morning and his body was taken to Grand Rapids for autopsy. By July 27 investigators had ruled the shooting accidental and self-inflicted, finding no indication someone had intentionally shot him. No arrests or criminal charges were publicly reported.

Thomas loved fishing, climbing trees, trucks, mud bogs, the St. Ignace Car Show, and Michigan State and Detroit sports. He is survived by his mother, siblings, grandparents, and extended family; his father, Eric Belanger, preceded him in death. If anyone knew Thomas or has information about the circumstances that morning, please come forward to share what you remember.