Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 10, 2025 · Entertainment

Tragedy Strikes: Dog the Bounty Hunter's Son on Leave After Fatal Chase

Dog the Bounty Hunter star Duane Chapman's, 72, police officer son, Garry Chapman, 24, has been put on administrative leave following his involvement in a fatal crash that left a teen dead; Chapman pictured with his father at his Police Graduation in Alabama

SHOCKING FAMILY TIES EXPOSED: Duane "Dog" Chapman's Son Embroiled in Fatal Crash Scandal

In a stunning turn of events, Duane "Dog" Chapman's own son, Garry Chapman, has been placed on administrative leave following his involvement in a deadly car crash that left a 17-year-old teen dead. The shocking news has raised questions about the family's reputation and sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

According to sources close to the Alabama sheriff's department, Garry, 24, was involved in a high-speed chase on September 6, which resulted in six people being hospitalized and the tragic death of Tristan Hollis. The victim's grandmother took to social media to pay tribute to her grandson, writing: "My sweet 17-year-old grandson, Tristan Hollis is in Jesus' arms." She went on to request prayers for her family and the Hollis family, stating: "Please pray for my daughter, Rachel, our family and the Hollis family."

Officer Chapman has been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation — a standard procedure — according to TMZ; Seen in his police uniform

But what's even more intriguing is that Garry was recently featured on the Priceville Police Department's social media in April. In a candid Q&A session, he revealed that his famous dad, Duane Chapman, inspired him to become a police officer. He shared: "Watching how he treated others and carried himself with integrity made a huge impact on me." Little did we know that Garry would soon find himself embroiled in a scandal of epic proportions.

As the investigation continues, it's clear that Garry's involvement in the fatal crash has left many questions unanswered. Was the high-speed chase justified? Were there any contributing factors to the accident? And what role did Garry play in the events leading up to Tristan's tragic death?

But this is not the first time a Chapman family member has been embroiled in controversy. Just last month, Duane's stepson, Gregory Zecca, was placed on a psychiatric hold after accidentally fatally shooting his 13-year-old son, Anthony, at their family apartment in Naples. The incident raised concerns about Gregory's mental health and sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The circumstances of the accident are still under investigation, but Chapman was reportedly involved in a chase on September 6 that left six people hospitalized and resulted in the death of 17-year-old Tristan Hollis; Chapman pictured on September 7

It seems that the Chapman family has been plagued by tragedy and controversy for years. Duane himself has had six different relationships, resulting in multiple children with various partners. Garry's mother, Beth Smith, sadly passed away from stage II throat cancer, leaving behind not only her son but also two other children, Bonnie Joanne and Cecily Barmore-Chapman.

As the investigation into the fatal crash continues, one thing is clear: the Chapman family has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Will Garry's involvement in the scandal tarnish his family's reputation forever? Only time will tell.

A Family Torn Apart by Tragedy and Controversy

Hollis, who died in the accident, pictured in a post shared by his grandmother, Beth Campbell Vinson

Duane "Dog" Chapman's personal life has been marred by tragedy and controversy, with multiple family members facing scandals of epic proportions. His son Garry's involvement in the fatal car crash is just the latest chapter in a long line of unfortunate events.

In 2019, Duane lost his fifth wife, Beth Smith, to stage II throat cancer. Her passing left behind not only her son Garry but also two other children, Bonnie Joanne and Cecily Barmore-Chapman. It's reported that Duane was deeply affected by Beth's death and has since been open about the emotional toll it took on him.

But the Chapman family's struggles don't stop there. Just last month, Gregory Zecca, Duane's stepson, was placed on a psychiatric hold after accidentally fatally shooting his 13-year-old son, Anthony, at their family apartment in Naples. The incident has raised concerns about Gregory's mental health and sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The crash site pictured in news footage

Gregory's involvement with his stepfather, Duane, is well-documented. The two work together on Duane's bounty hunting team, and Gregory has even shared photos of himself and Anthony "getting some range time in" with their rifles back in 2021. But it seems that this bond was not enough to prevent the tragic events that unfolded.

As for Garry, his involvement in the fatal car crash has left many questioning whether he is fit for duty as a police officer. With six people hospitalized and one teen dead, the stakes are high. Will Garry's family ties and reputation be enough to shield him from accountability? Only time will tell.

A Family Legacy of Controversy

Chapman was recently featured on the Priceville Police Department’s social media in April

The Chapman family has been at the center of controversy for years, with multiple family members facing scandals and tragedies that have left fans questioning their values and morals. Duane "Dog" Chapman's reality TV show, which followed his pursuit of fugitives from Hawaii to Colorado, was a huge hit but also raised eyebrows about the ethics of bounty hunting.

But it seems that the Chapman family's troubles don't stop at the camera lens. Garry's involvement in the fatal car crash is just the latest chapter in a long line of unfortunate events that have left many wondering if the family's reputation can ever be restored.

As the investigation into the accident continues, one thing is clear: the Chapman family has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Will Garry's involvement in the scandal tarnish his family's reputation forever? Only time will tell.

In a short Q&A Chapman said that he has worked as a police officer for three and a half years, a total that includes his time as a corrections officer

TheScholarlyNote.com reached out to the Police Committee Chair and Garry's representatives for comment but has yet to receive a response.

He also shared it was his famous dad who inspired him to become one. 'Even though he wasn’t in law enforcement, he always lived by the motto:

He shares Garry with his late fifth wife Beth Smith, who died from stage II throat cancer. The two also welcomed daughter Bonnie Joanne; Duane and Beth pictured 2005