Toddler Fatally Shot by 4-Year-Old Cousin After Child Finds Unsecured Gun During Family Vacation

A family vacation meant to celebrate a young boy’s birthday ended in tragedy after a two-year-old child was accidentally shot and killed by his four-year-old cousin in Florida.

The heartbreaking incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Cove East at Storey Lake rental community in Kissimmee, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).

Authorities identified the victim as Brayden Tennyson, who was visiting from Louisville, Georgia, with family members ahead of what would have been his third birthday on Tuesday.

Investigators said the shooting happened after the four-year-old located an unsecured and unholstered handgun inside a vehicle where the two children had been left while the adults briefly stepped away to check into their vacation rental.

According to the sheriff’s office, the firearm belonged to Brayden’s mother.

“As they arrived at their destination, the two-year-old was left in the car, and a four-year-old family member entered the vehicle and located an unsecured, unholstered handgun,” an OCSO spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that family members were outside the vehicle and had not yet entered the home when they heard a gunshot coming from inside the car.

Brayden was rushed to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, where he was later pronounced dead despite efforts to save his life.

Authorities also said one family member was taken to hospital after suffering chest pains brought on by the shock of the incident.

The tragedy has left the family devastated.

“There are no words to describe the heartbreak our family is experiencing,” relatives wrote on a GoFundMe page created to help transport Brayden’s body back to Georgia.

“What was meant to be a joyful vacation to Orlando to celebrate sweet Brayden’s 3rd birthday has turned into an unimaginable tragedy.”

The family added that Tuesday should have been filled with birthday celebrations and happy memories.

“Instead, those who love Brayden are left mourning the loss of a beautiful little boy whose life was taken far too soon,” the fundraising page read.

Speaking to local media, Brayden’s aunt, Dalfornia Tennyson, described him as a cheerful and affectionate child who loved making friends.

“He was a real sweet child. Real friendly,” she said, adding that he enjoyed approaching other children to play and had a particular love for gummy fruit snacks and cookies.

“He used to say, ‘Auntie, I want a snack!’ He loved those gummy snacks in the pack. We love him, and we’re gonna miss him.”

Brayden’s sister also paid tribute, describing him as a bright and joyful little boy.

“He was very smart and a very happy baby,” she said in a statement. “He used to be waiting at the door screaming because he was happy to see us when we came home from school. He always wanted to eat my food and was just learning how to say my name and use the bathroom by himself.”

She added, “I hate this happened to him.”

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said its investigation is ongoing, and the case will be reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office to determine whether any criminal charges will be filed.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of safely securing firearms, particularly around young children, to help prevent similar tragedies.