Tennessee Boy, 3, Struck With Stray Bullet on New Year's Eve During 'Celebratory Gunfire'

A 3-year-old boy named Brayden Smith lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet in his own home in Northeast Memphis, Tennessee. Authorities have attributed this horrific tragedy to the dangerous practice of "celebratory gunfire."

According to police reports from Action News 5, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. when a bullet penetrated the window of the Smith family's apartment, as per New York Post.

Brayden Smith's Tragic Death Spurs GoFundMe Support

Anonymous Gun Buy Back Program In San Francisco

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 15: Bullets and a clip from a gun that was surrendered sit on a table during a gun buy back program on December 15, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The San Francisco police department held a one-day gun buy back event that paid $200 per gun turned in. A better than expected crowd resulted in payback money running out and vouchers were issued to collect money within a week. Over 200 guns were collected.

Brayden Smith was immediately rushed to a local children's hospital in critical condition. However, despite the efforts of medical professionals, he tragically passed away early Wednesday morning, as confirmed by police spokesperson Christopher Williams.

Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe spoke to a local news station, stating that preliminary information suggests the stray bullet may have originated from a different part of the apartment complex.

Crowe emphasized the illegality of celebratory gunfire and its potential for catastrophic consequences. "We've tried to stress that this month: Celebratory gunfire is illegal and celebratory gunfire leads to tragic events like this, and we just have to stop shooting these guns," Crowe pleaded.

The Memphis Police Department reported receiving records of over 327 gunshots through their gunfire detection software during the New Year's Eve period, while dispatchers received approximately 195 calls reporting shots fired, according to Williams. Despite ongoing investigations, the authorities have yet to identify and apprehend the person responsible for firing the fatal bullet that claimed Brayden's life.

In response to the devastating loss, a close acquaintance of the Smith family created a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support during this unimaginably difficult time. The organizer, Jaleesha Brown, expressed deep sorrow for the tragedy and urged the community to come together in solidarity.

The campaign aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with funeral expenses and convey love and support to Brayden's grieving loved ones. As of Wednesday, the fundraiser has managed to raise $2,473, according to USA Today.

Community Supports Brayden's Family, Calls for Justice

Meanwhile, community members are rallying around Brayden's family, offering their support and hoping for the apprehension of the shooter. Larry Hunter, a representative of the Touched by an Angel organization, distributed meals to residents of the apartment complex and voiced his concern over the incident. "You're at home. You're thinking you're in a place of safety, and a bullet comes from nowhere. It really bothered me. It could've been my son, my grandson, your son," Hunter emphasized.

The Memphis Police Department disclosed that between 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve and 3 a.m. on New Year's Day, their gunfire detection software recorded over 327 gunshots. Dispatchers were inundated with 195 calls reporting shots fired.

The police emphasized the need to halt the dangerous practice of celebratory gunfire, reiterating its illegal status and its potential for tragic events, such as the untimely death of young Brayden Smith.

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of an innocent life and hopes for justice. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with celebratory gunfire and the need for collective action to prevent further tragedies, KGNS reported.