An upstate New York boy accidentally shot and killed his best friend before taking his own life out of guilt — while their heartbroken families announcing they plan to bury the “inseparable” pair together.
Damarion Jones, 16, tragically gunned down Jonah Tanner, 13, last Wednesday night inside a home on Lincoln Avenue in Syracuse, Syracuse.com reported. Distraught over the unintentional shooting, he turned the 9 mm handgun on himself, the outlet reported, according to Onondaga County prosecutors.
Jones died of self-inflicted injuries on Wednesday, and Tanner was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but was later declared brain dead, CNYCentral reported.
After Jones shot Tanner, he “apparently felt so guilt-ridden he shot himself,” Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick told Localsyr.
Further details about how the shooting unfolded or how the teens accessed the gun have not yet been released.
An online fundraiser for Tanner’s funeral expenses described the pals as “inseparable.”
“Their friendship brought so much joy and love to our lives, and their bond was truly special,” the GoFundMe statement said.
“Tragically, we lost both boys on the same night, and the pain is overwhelming. It feels impossible to imagine life without them, and the grief has touched everyone who knew them.”
A separate fundraiser for Jones said the best pals will “be laid to rest together” as “that’s what they would want.”
“My son, Damarion Jones, was a sweet, loving, and kind-hearted young man. He was only 16 years old and was my only son. He brought so much joy, laughter, and light into my life, and his kindness touched everyone who knew him,” Jones’ mother, Kiesha Brown Jones, wrote in a statement.
“They were always together and shared a bond that was like brothers. In the midst of a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed his best friend’s life, Damarion could not bear the pain of what had happened. Within moments, we lost Damarion too.”
A vigil honoring the best friends took place on Sunday — where Jones’ mother revealed her son’s heartbreaking last words to her, CNYCentral reported.
“My son’s last words to me … I ‘love you’ and that’s something that I have to hold — that the last time I’m ever gonna hear my baby say ‘I love you’ again,” she told the outlet.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
