Tragic Accident Claims Life of West Valley Teen in Fatal Shooting

The shooting happened at a home near Bullard Avenue and Waddell Road in Surprise on July 26.

SURPRISE, Ariz. — A tragic accidental shooting claimed the life of a West Valley teen on July 26, according to Surprise police.

Officers responded to a home near Bullard Avenue and Old Oak Lane shortly after midnight on July 26. The location is situated just south of Bullard Avenue and Waddell Road intersection.

Upon arrival, family members directed officers to a bedroom where they found a male teenager with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite emergency life-saving efforts, the teen succumbed to his injuries in the bedroom.

Investigators suspect that the mishandling of a firearm led to the fatal accidental discharge.

A GoFundMe has been established for 17-year-old Chris Burphy Jr., who has been identified by the page but not officially by the police due to his juvenile status. Burphy, a Willow Canyon High School graduate and former basketball player, tragically died around the time of the accidental shooting.

The GoFundMe page reveals that Burphy had plans to enlist in the Marines upon turning 18 in November. Since its creation on Sunday, it has raised over $7,000.

This is a developing story. Stay with Arizonanews.org for the latest updates.