Texas tragedy: Father dies trying to save teenage son who was accidentally shot by son’s brother

A Texas father suffered a medical episode and died while trying to save his teen son, who was killed in an accidental shooting involving his own brother, according to authorities and a local report.

Police responded to a shooting that happened at a home in Texas City just before 1:30 a.m. and found 17-year-old Joshua Gonzales dead on arrival, the Texas City Police Department said. 

An investigation determined that Joshua Gonzales’ 15-year-old brother “accidentally discharged the firearm,” resulting in the 17-year-old’s death, police said.

“During the attempt to administer lifesaving measures, the victim’s father, Julian Gonzales, tragically suffered a fatal medical episode,” police said.

Family and friends told FOX26 that they remain concerned about the well-being of Gonzales’ 15-year-old son following the tragic incident.

“All that trauma and pain, and questions, and ‘what if’, and guilt, and blaming himself, and all that even though it was just a mere accident,” Salazar said.

Jay Gonzales owned Artistic Image Tattoo Studio in Texas City, located about 42 miles southeast of Houston, and was remembered as a devoted dad and a kind-hearted businessman who would help those in need, according to the station.