ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES: Tragedy struck in Illinois, as a 61-year-old firearms safety instructor, Simeon Hendrickson, accidentally shot and killed his 60-year-old wife, Laurie Hendrickson, while cleaning one of his weapons on July 15 afternoon.
The unfortunate incident occurred when Simeon unintentionally discharged the firearm, striking his wife, Laurie. Following this horrific accident, he turned the handgun on himself, taking his own life. When the police received a call at 5.45 pm local time, they rushed to the scene. Upon arriving, they discovered Simeon dead.
Initially, the authorities were responding to a report of a man accidentally shooting himself, but on their way to the location, they learned that a second person might have been shot. Tragically, Laurie died shortly after at a nearby hospital.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Simeon was in his residence, working on one of his handguns, when the accidental shooting occurred, resulting in the fatal injury to his wife, Laurie, as per Chicago Sun-Times. This heartbreaking incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
Who was Simeon Hendrickson?
As per information available on his Facebook page, Simeon Hendrickson was a passionate gun enthusiast and dedicated his time to teaching firearms training. At a location in the Chicago suburbs, he taught training on the correct methods for carrying a hidden weapon. The Hendrickson family consisted of four children, but one of them tragically died before the unfortunate incident involving Simeon and his wife Laurie. Additionally, they were blessed with two grandchildren.
'They were the greatest parents'
In a heartfelt now-deleted Facebook post, their son, Derek grieved their loss, writing, "They were loved and respected by many and were the greatest parents anyone could have ever ask for." He fondly remembered them as the greatest parents anyone could have ever asked for, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew them.
Regarding the tragic incident, the police are diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding it. While they have termed it a "random act," they have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat. As of now, no further details have been disclosed.
Accidental gun deaths continue to be a significant concern, with 549 reported incidents in 2021, the most recent year according to the Pew Research Center. Such incidents highlight the importance of responsible firearm handling and safety education to prevent further tragedies in the future. The community must come together to raise awareness and prioritize safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with firearms.
