A tragic firearm incident in Fairbanks, Alaska, has left a young couple dead just days before they were expected to get engaged, local authorities confirmed.
The Fairbanks Police Department reported that 22-year-old Landon Lowrance accidentally shot and killed his 21-year-old girlfriend, CloeRae McBrayer, while recklessly handling a revolver.
Second gun used as bystander called emergency services
Emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a friend who was present at the scene during the shooting.
While the caller was on the line with 911 operators:
Disturbance overheard: Dispatchers heard background commotion as Lowrance realised what had occurred and moved to locate a second firearm.
Attempted intervention: The friend attempted to physically restrain Lowrance, but Lowrance obtained the second gun and turned it on himself before officers arrived.
Casualties: McBrayer was pronounced dead at the scene. Lowrance was transported in critical condition to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Police confirmed that the eyewitness caller was interviewed by homicide detectives and was not involved in either shooting.
Devastated family remembers aspiring teacher
McBrayer, an Alabama native who had recently been accepted into the education program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, had been planning a future with Lowrance. Her mother, Amanda Hooper, shared that the family was expecting a marriage proposal over the weekend.
Describing the tragedy as a “tragic and preventable loss of life,” the Fairbanks Police Department reiterated warnings regarding firearm safety, emphasising that weapons should never be handled casually or pointed at anyone during informal activities.
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