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A FATHER is dead after trying desperately to save his teenage son’s life after he was accidentally shot by his younger brother at their home.
Jay Gonzales, 41, was found dead along with Joshua Gonzales, 17, when police arrived at the family’s house.
Joshua died from a gunshot fired by his 15-year-old brother while Jay died from an undisclosed medical episode, police said.
The tragedy occurred in Texas City, Texas, on Galveston Bay outside Houston, and the victims were identified by the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s office.
Jay, who had witnessed the shooting, died while giving Joshua lifesaving measures, local NBC affiliate KPRC-TV reported.
Cops rushed to the scene just after 1:20 am on Monday after learning of the shooting, the Texas City Police Department said.
The 15-year-old brother, whose name has not been released, was taken in for questioning before being released back to his mother.
Investigators handed the case over to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office to decide whether charges should be filed.
A COMMUNITY MOURNS
The Texas City Independent School District confirmed in a statement that Joshua Gonzales was a student.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, and our thoughts are with the family and all those who cared for them during this difficult time,” the district said.
“The well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and we have made counselors available to provide support to anyone who needs help processing their grief.
“Together, we will work together to support our school community as we navigate this loss.”
He did everything for the community — fundraisers, school drives…. Man, he went the extra mile if he could.
Melo Salazar
The father, Jay Gonzales, was a traveling tattoo artist who worked at Artistic Image tattoo studio in Texas City, according to his Facebook profile.
Gonzales often posted his tattoo work on his Facebook and Instagram pages, which have since become the site of several tributes.
Gonzales’ co-workers at Artistic Image said that he was “loved by many because he always stepped up to help the community,” according to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.
“Most of all, besides just a tattoo artist and a business partner, he was a human being and he was a damn good one,” his business partner Melo Salazar said.
“He did everything for the community — fundraisers, school drives. I’m sorry, I mean, it’s pretty hard. Man, he went the extra mile if he could, man.”
“Anybody that knew him, I don’t have to say that if they knew him, they loved him — he’ll give the shirt off his back,” Salazar said of Gonzales to KHOU.
An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of the victims’ cause of death.
The Texas City Police Department released a statement confirming the status of the investigation.
“Upon arrival, officers discovered one individual deceased inside the home. Additionally, one person is currently being questioned in connection with the incident,” the department said.
“The investigation is ongoing, and authorities confirm that there is no immediate threat to public safety.”
The Texas City Police Department could not be reached for comment.
