Horror as boy, 2, dies after accidentally shooting himself at Walmart parking lot while parents shopped

A family has been left devastated after a two-year-old boy died from accidentally shooting himself in a Walmart parking lot.

Nakyzi Odums’ grandmother has described him as a boy who “smiled brightly, laughed wholeheartedly [and] loved unconditionally” on a GoFundMe set up for the family.

The toddler was killed after accidentally shooting himself Wednesday outside a Walmart in Douglas, Georgia, WALB reports . Witnesses say his parents were shopping at a fireworks stall just feet away, when they suddenly heard a pop.

The horrified parents rushed back to their car and found their son had shot himself in the chest. The boy was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away at a trauma center in Jacksonville, Florida.

Read more: Funeral held for boy, 2, found 'blue-faced' in boiling car as cops say death 'not an accident'

The death was announced in an update from the police, which read: "The Douglas Police Department regrets to inform the community that the young child who suffered an accidental self inflicted gunshot wound on July 3, 2024, has sadly passed away this afternoon, July 6th 2024, at a trauma center in Jacksonville, Florida.

"Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time."

The fundraiser, set up by the boy's grandmother, reads: "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the loss of our beautiful Nakyzi Odums. He was definitely the light and love for his parents Sam Odums and Laileighauna Parks. He smiled brightly, laughed wholeheartedly, loved unconditionally.

"As one of his grandmothers I am stepping in and requesting support of burial for our sweet baby. Donations will also allow mom and dad time to grieve properly. If its in your heart and your will. Please donate anything you desire."

Douglas Police Chief Brannen Pruette said: “You’re allowed to have a gun in the car, but when there’s a child involved, you need to make sure that the gun is secure so that the child doesn’t have access to it."

Investigators are trying to figure out how the boy got a hold of the gun. Witnesses said he was sitting in the front seat of the car with the gun possibly in the side of the car door.

At this stage it is unclear if the boy's parents will face charges over the death.