A man in Deltona, Florida, told authorities he accidentally shot his wife and 4-year-old daughter on Saturday morning while preparing a firearm. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident occurred just before 10 a.m. on September 19, 2026, when a handgun discharged as the man attempted to clear it before visiting a shooting range.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office stated that deputies arrived at the residence to find the father carrying his daughter, who had sustained injuries to her chest and arm. The mother was discovered inside the home with a gunshot wound to her leg, which she had covered with a towel. Both victims were reported to be conscious and alert when first responders arrived.
Emergency personnel applied tourniquets to both the mother and the daughter, and a chest seal was placed on the 4-year-old. The child was subsequently airlifted to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital, while the mother was transported by ground to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital. The sheriff's office noted that the father's account indicated a single shot struck both family members.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office stated that evidence gathered so far supports the father's account that the shooting was accidental. As of Sunday, September 20, no criminal charges had been filed. The investigation remains open.