Tragic Accidental Shooting Claims Life of Man in Front of Family

A tragic incident unfolded in Homestead, Arizona, when 31-year-old Jacob N. Begaye accidentally shot himself in front of family members. The event occurred in the kitchen of their home, revealing the devastating consequences of improper firearm handling.

According to a Maricopa police investigation, the accident occurred while Begaye was demonstrating the use of a 9-millimeter handgun to his father. It was reported that he was showing the family how to operate a flashlight attached to the weapon when the firearm discharged, fatally striking him under the right arm.

Witnesses described the chaotic scene as family members, visibly distressed, begged for him to survive. George Begaye, Jacob’s father, recounted that Jacob wanted to showcase his new firearms and accessories to the family. He explained that while Jacob was demonstrating the difference between various flashlights for the gun, the firearm was unintentionally pointed in an unsafe direction.

Initially, the handgun was unloaded. However, Jacob inserted a magazine into the firearm just before the tragic discharge occurred. The elder Begaye noted that Jacob was holding the gun in his right hand when it went off unexpectedly.

Realizing he had been shot, Jacob stood up and then collapsed. The type of ammunition involved was identified as hollow point, which further exacerbates the severity of such accidents.

Despite still breathing, Jacob was quickly transported by Maricopa Fire and Medical to Exceptional Community Hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, with Dr. Brad Green confirming his death at 9:48 a.m.

Preliminary records indicate that Jacob Begaye, originally from Tuba City, was residing in Tempe at the time of the incident. The home where the accident took place belongs to a relative of Begaye, as confirmed by the Pinal County Assessor’s Office.