Six-year-old Georgia boy Zi Zi Olmstead recently died after accidentally shooting himself with a gun he thought was a toy.
According to The Telegraph, Zi Zi said he discovered a “toy” behind his apartment building before going back inside on Nov. 5. Moments later, his mother, Tara Olmstead, heard a “pop” sound, which prompted her to run inside. To her shock, she found the young boy with a gunshot wound to his head.
Police revealed that the “toy” gun Zi Zi found was a nine mm Taurus handgun, which was discovered next to him at the scene. Tara recalled that the boy had followed her outside after heading out with their pet dog.
Zi Zi was reportedly a student at Calhoun Primary School in Calhoun, Georgia. The Calhoun City Schools superintendent, Michele Taylor, said the six-year-old was loved by teachers, staff members, and classmates.
“He was loved by his classmates, friends, teachers and staff members. We continue to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Michele said.
Calhoun City Schools also shared a tweet about the young boy’s untimely death via Twitter on Nov. 6.
“Our deepest condolences to the Olmstead family, Zi Zi’s teachers, and friends during this difficult time!” their social media team wrote.
Our deepest condolences to the Olmstead family, Zi Zi’s teachers, and friends during this difficult time! 💔 pic.twitter.com/bDlfjGq5Lp
— Calhoun City Schools (@CalhounSchools) November 7, 2022
Zizi’s grandmother Deborah Perkins launched a GoFundMe account on Nov. 7 to assist with funeral costs.
“My daughter Tara Olmstead lost her six-year-old son on Nov. 5, 2022, due to a horrible accident. She is grieving horribly and needs help with a funeral and other expenses due to this tragedy. Anything at all would be so deeply appreciated!”
A memorial service for the beloved child was held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church on Nov. 16. His family asked that people who attend the service wear blue and red to honor Zi Zi and his favorite hero, Spider-Man.
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting.
