HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A 4-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself in the head at a northwest Harris County home early Tuesday died on Thursday, according to family members.
The shooting happened in the 15400 block of Redbud Berry Way around midnight.
"I heard a loud noise, and then after midnight I heard a lot of helicopters and I knew something was wrong," said neighbors.
Deputies said the boy and his younger sister were at their grandparents' house when Bryson somehow shot himself with a gun.
Deputies arrived and found him breathing but unresponsive. He was airlifted in critical condition to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.
Neighbor Jon Ramirez said the close-knit community is doing what it can to support the family.
"This community is pulling together. The family is probably at a loss for words right now. We're praying for them," Ramirez said.
"It’s sad. I actually know them personally because my son plays with him. They are my next-door neighbors," said Brodrick Johnson.
The grandparents are cooperating fully with investigators. All the evidence will be handed over to a grand jury.
His family released the following statement:
"Bryson, our sweet little boy who was loved by everyone he ever met, passed away earlier today and we are utterly heartbroken. Bryson really loved two things in his life: his family – especially his little sisters – and Iron Man. He was very protective of his sisters and always there for them, teaching the right way to cross the street and hugging them when they cried. Iron Man was his favorite superhero. He had the costume, the pillow, everything. He looked up to Iron Man because he was strong, fearless and he dedicated his life to helping others. Today, through the most horrible of circumstances, Bryson got his wish to become Iron Man himself. He was strong and fearless as he was fighting for his life, and now he will be a hero too: as an organ donor, his life will save the lives of several other children. Soon he will be laid to rest in his Iron Man costume, with his head on his Iron Man pillow, since we know he wouldn’t have had it any other way...We would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing care team at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital – from Life Flight, to the ER, to the OR, to the PICU – the nurses and doctors have truly gone above and beyond for us and we are so grateful. And finally, we would like this to serve as a reminder to all families with handguns in the house. Always check to make sure you know where your guns are, and that they are safely out of the reach of children, not loaded and locked away. Take gun safety classes regularly, and constantly remind your kids not to touch guns and that guns are not toys."
The family also added: “If you’re interested in contributing somehow, in lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider donating to our YouCaring page. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers."