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Devastated Father Commits Suicide After His 2-Year-Old Son Found Loaded Gun And Accidentally Shot Himself

Police tried to convince Keon Myers to drop his weapon seconds before he pulled the trigger.

A family Columbia, South Carolina, was devastated after a father took his own life just moments following the accidental death of his 2-year-old son. 

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said both father and son died in the shooting Wednesday their Columbia home.

The tragedy began when 2-year-old Kyree Myers found his father’s loaded gun and accidentally shot himself in the head. After the shooting, Kyree’s mother called 9-1-1, reported WLWT 5. When the responding police officers arrived on the scene, they were met by Kyree’s devastated father, Keon Myers. According to Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook, Keon, 38, had a gun and was threatening to kill himself.

Although police attempted to diffuse the situation, Keon refused to drop the weapon and eventually fired a single shot into his head.

“Our hearts are heavy at the tremendous loss of life," Holbrook said. "We have victim advocates assigned to the case to assist the family during this difficult time. This experience has also been emotionally trying for responding officers. They will participate in a debriefing to discuss the incident and receive further support as needed.”

Police say they are still investigating whether the father and son were killed with the same weapon.

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