A young couple was just days away from getting engaged when a devastating incident involving a firearm ended both of their lives.
Landon Lowrance, 22, allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, 21-year-old CloeRae McBrayer, while handling a gun. McBrayer was studying to become a teacher.
According to the Fairbanks Police Department, Lowrance was “playing with the gun and pointing it at her” when he fired a revolver, striking McBrayer.
A friend of the couple immediately called 911 and remained on the line as the situation unfolded. Police said the dispatcher could hear “a disturbance” happening in the background.
The friend reportedly tried to step in after Lowrance picked up another firearm.
Police said the caller “attempted to physically intervene when Lowrance obtained another firearm and shot himself,” according to VT.
McBrayer was already dead when first responders arrived at the scene. Lowrance, who was “Critically injured,” was taken to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, but he died shortly after arriving.
“Gun safety must never be taken for granted”
Investigators have said the friend who made the emergency call was not considered responsible for either shooting. Police said the caller “was interviewed by detectives and is not believed to have been involved in the shootings.”
The Fairbanks Police Department described what happened as “a tragic and preventable loss of life” and urged people to “practise firearm safety at all times.”
Lowrance’s family has since spoken about the tragedy in a heartbreaking social media post shared by his brother, emphasizing that firearm safety had been part of his life from a young age.
The family said: “Landon’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that gun safety must never be taken for granted.
“Landon was raised in a family where firearm safety was taught from an early age. He took gun safety courses as a child, joined the military after graduation, and received additional firearms training. Despite being well-trained, complacency tragically entered the picture, and CloeRae’s life was taken.
“During the 911 call, Landon became overwhelmed with grief and heartbreak over what had happened and took his own life. Anyone who knew Landon knows that he had one of the biggest, kindest, and most caring hearts.
“This tragedy does not erase the person he was, but it is a devastating reminder of how quickly one moment of complacency can change multiple lives forever.
“Please keep both families in your prayers during this unimaginable time. Please also remember Landon’s roommate, who was present when this tragedy occurred.
“We ask for prayers, compassion, and privacy for everyone affected as our families try to navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
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