CHICAGO – A devastating tragedy struck Chicago’s Kenwood neighborhood on Sunday afternoon when a 4-year-old boy lost his life after accidentally shooting himself inside an apartment on the 4400 block of South Greenwood Avenue. The heartbreaking incident has left family, neighbors, and the broader community reeling with grief.

The incident occurred just after 1:15 p.m. when first responders were called to the residence. Emergency personnel rushed the young boy to Comer Children’s Hospital, where he was treated for critical injuries. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the child succumbed to his wounds, leaving a family and neighborhood in shock.

Pastor Donovan Price, who has been offering support to the family, described the tragedy as accidental. “Self-inflicted,” Price said. “He got a hold of a gun, which is just, you know, something we need to work on.” His remarks underscored the broader concern about firearm safety in homes with children.

According to police reports cited by the Chicago Sun-Times, the boy discovered the weapon in his sister’s possession. She is a licensed concealed carry holder and had left her black handgun inside a zippered purse on a bed while she was showering. Tragically, the child found the firearm and fatally discharged it. Chicago Police later recovered the handgun from the scene.

Authorities confirm that a person of interest is being questioned in connection with the incident, though no arrests have been made. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released the name of the child, respecting the family’s privacy amid the ongoing investigation.

This tragedy has renewed conversations about gun safety, particularly in homes with children. Kathleen Sances, president of G-Pac Illinois, emphasized the importance of secure firearm storage. “This is really about gun owner responsibility,” Sances said. “This isn’t a Second Amendment issue or taking guns away from people — it’s about saving young lives in the very place they should feel the safest.”

Recent legislative efforts in Illinois aim to prevent such accidents. Governor JB Pritzker signed the Safe Gun Storage Act, strengthening firearm storage requirements for households with minors. The law, which takes effect in January, mandates that guns be kept in locked containers, aiming to reduce preventable injuries and deaths involving children.

Community members, neighbors, and local leaders are rallying around the grieving family, offering support and counseling during this difficult time. Many have expressed their sorrow online and through local outreach programs, reflecting the widespread impact of the tragedy.

Child safety experts stress that unsecured firearms remain a leading cause of preventable injuries and deaths among young children. Incidents like the one in Kenwood serve as stark reminders of the importance of vigilant safety practices, proper storage, and constant supervision.

For now, a grieving community mourns a young life lost far too soon. As authorities continue to investigate, family, friends, and neighbors are coming together to honor the memory of the child, while advocating for awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The loss serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities children face in domestic environments and the critical role adults play in ensuring their safety.