Family, friends, and fans are mourning the loss of 17-year-old rapper Rylo Huncho, who tragically died in Virginia after accidentally shooting himself while filming a video on social media. The Suffolk Police Department confirmed the teenager died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound that may have been accidental. While police did not identify the victim, family and friends have confirmed Huncho as the victim. The video circulating on social media shows the moments before his death when he was holding a pistol with a green laser light, switching off the safety, and pointing it at his head before a gunshot is heard.
A GoFundMe set up for Huncho’s single mother by his cousin confirmed the cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Huncho had 10 songs and 680 monthly listeners on Spotify, with songs like “Money Getta,” “Bag Talk,” and “La la la.” He frequently posted on social media about his music and had a significant following on Instagram and TikTok. Some of his videos also featured alcohol and marijuana. His cousin mentioned that it was always just Huncho and his mother, emphasizing the need for support during this difficult time. His most recent song was released just days before his tragic death.
Approximately 76 teenagers die from unintentional gunshot wounds each year, with around 40% of these incidents being self-inflicted, according to Giffords Law Center’s Research Director Kelly Drane. Drane emphasized the importance of safe gun ownership to prevent teenagers from gaining access to firearms. She stressed the need for parents to lock away guns and ammunition separately to reduce the risk of unintentional shootings. Drane also mentioned that teenagers may be drawn to guns for social reasons, such as showing off to friends or seeking validation from their peer group.
These “accidents” are preventable through the implementation of proper behaviors and policies, according to Drane. She highlighted the importance of storing guns securely to prevent access by teenagers. By keeping guns locked and stored separately from ammunition, the risk of unintentional shootings can be reduced. It is crucial for parents to take steps to ensure that their children do not have access to firearms, thus preventing tragedies like the death of Rylo Huncho. Drane’s research underscores the need for awareness and education around safe gun ownership practices to prevent further incidents.
In the wake of Rylo Huncho’s tragic death, family, friends, and fans are grappling with the loss of the talented young rapper. The circumstances of his death serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need to prevent teenagers from accessing firearms. As investigations continue into the incident, it is essential for communities to come together to support each other and work towards preventing similar tragedies in the future. Rylo Huncho’s story is a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by guns and the need for increased awareness and education to prevent further loss of life.
