Boy, 17, accidentally shot dead with air rifle at Hampshire house party, inquest told
An inquest has confirmed that 17-year-old Connor Bell died after being accidentally shot in the head by a friend with an air rifle at a house party. The incident occurred when the friend mistook the trigger for the safety catch while handling the weapon.
Why it matters
The tragedy highlights the extreme dangers of improper firearm handling and storage, prompting renewed focus on gun safety education.
Connor Bell was described by his father at the inquest as ‘cheeky and mischievous but so kind and caring’. Photograph: Family handout/Solent News Connor Bell was described by his father at the inquest as ‘cheeky and mischievous but so kind and caring’. Photograph: Family handout/Solent News Hampshire Boy, 17, accidentally shot dead with air rifle at Hampshire house party, inquest told Connor Bell died of his injuries after his friend Jack Beechey, 18, pulled the trigger, mistaking it for the safety catch
Prefer the Guardian on Google A 17-year-old boy died after he was accidentally shot in the head with an air rifle by his friend at a house party, an inquest has been told.
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