A 13-year-old boy lost his life in a devastating accidental shooting involving his father at their Naples, Florida residence, marking a tragic loss for the extended family of reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter.
According to the Daily Mail, Anthony Zecca, grandson of Dog the Bounty Hunter's wife Francie Chapman, was fatally shot by his father Gregory Zecca, 38, in what authorities are calling an "isolated incident." The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. ET at their family apartment.
Local law enforcement responded promptly to reports of the shooting, though specific details about the circumstances remain limited. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, which has deeply affected both the immediate family and their extended network of relatives.
Gregory Zecca, who works alongside his stepfather, Dog the Bounty Hunter, in the family's bounty hunting business, has been known to share his enthusiasm for firearms on social media. Previous posts from 2021 showed father and son spending time together at shooting ranges.
The father-son duo had documented their firearms training sessions through photographs, highlighting their shared interest in shooting sports. Their social media presence portrayed a close relationship centered around various outdoor activities.
Local authorities have maintained that, despite the tragic outcome, this appears to be an isolated occurrence with no indication of broader public safety concerns. The investigation continues as the family grapples with their devastating loss.
Anthony's connection to his faith became evident through a meaningful experience he shared during a hospital visit with his grandmother Francie in 2023. The teenager described feeling what he believed was the presence of the Holy Spirit during this time.
During that hospital visit, Anthony recounted sensing mysterious gusts of wind that he attributed to divine intervention. This spiritual encounter occurred while his grandmother was receiving treatment for an ankle injury.
The young boy's faith appeared to play a significant role in his life, as demonstrated by his interpretation of seemingly unexplainable events during that hospital stay. His religious convictions were shared and supported by his family members.
Dog Chapman and his wife Francie released a heartfelt statement expressing their profound grief over the loss of their grandson. The couple, who married in September 2021, requested privacy as they process this devastating family tragedy.
The Chapmans acknowledged the incomprehensible nature of the accident while asking for continued prayers during this difficult time. Their union had initially brought together two families who had experienced previous losses.
The couple's relationship began in 2020, bonding over their shared experiences of losing previous spouses - Dog's wife Beth Smith to throat cancer in 2019 and Francie's husband Bob Frane in 2018.
The Naples Police Department maintains jurisdiction over the ongoing investigation into Anthony's death. While classified as an accident, standard protocols for investigating firearm-related fatalities are being followed.
The family's immediate focus remains on supporting one another through this devastating period while honoring Anthony's memory. Their public statement reflects their desire for privacy as they navigate this profound loss.
Gregory Zecca's involvement in the family's bounty hunting business and his documented experience with firearms add another layer of complexity to this tragic incident. The investigation will likely examine all circumstances surrounding the accident.
