Tragic Accident: Teen Shot by Father in Family Shooting
DEATH BY ACCIDENT: Tragedy Strikes the Family of Dog the Bounty Hunter Star Duane Chapman
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, 13-year-old Anthony Zecca, grandson of reality TV star Duane "Dog" Chapman and his wife Francie, has been tragically killed in a shooting incident at their family apartment in Naples, Florida. The shocking news has left the celebrity couple reeling.
According to law enforcement officials, Gregory Zecca, 38, father of the deceased teenager, accidentally shot Anthony while they were together at their home on Saturday evening. The firearm was discovered on the kitchen island when authorities arrived at the scene, and a police report obtained by thescholarlynote.com reveals that Anthony suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his neck.
As details of the tragic incident emerge, it becomes clear that this is not just a senseless act of violence but also a devastating loss for the extended Chapman family. Gregory, who collaborated with Duane on his bounty hunting team and is Francie's son from a previous marriage, has disabled his social media accounts in the aftermath.
The Chapmans, who celebrated their third wedding anniversary earlier this year, have issued a statement expressing their grief over Anthony's passing. "We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony," they said.
But behind the scenes, sources close to the family reveal that the tragedy has left Duane and Francie reeling. The couple, who met while bonding over their shared experiences with grief after losing previous spouses, have been inseparable since their wedding in 2020.
Their relationship began when Duane and Francie both found comfort in each other's company during difficult times. "We understood the pain that the other one was feeling, and [in] those tough days and moments, we helped each other stand up," Francie told ET in a 2020 interview. "We could cry with each other and talk about what we were feeling. We were able to walk alongside each other through the pain and heartbreak, and it brought us together in this amazing way."
As the investigation into Anthony's death continues, thescholarlynote.com has learned that Gregory, a gun enthusiast, had previously shared photos of himself and his late son "getting some range time in" with their rifles on social media.
Anthony, who spent the summer with his grandparents last year, had an adventurous spirit. In 2023, he told a story about feeling the wind of the Holy Spirit while visiting his "Meemaw" in the hospital ER after she injured her ankle. The teenager and Duane sat on a bench in the waiting room when Anthony suddenly felt a gush of cold wind blowing in from outside.
As news of the tragedy spreads, fans of Dog the Bounty Hunter are left stunned by the senseless loss of life. "This is just devastating," said one fan. "I can only imagine how hard this must be for Duane and Francie."
With their wedding anniversary approaching on September 2, the Chapmans will undoubtedly face a difficult road ahead as they navigate their grief and come to terms with the tragedy.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.