NYPD officer's son, 10, dies after accidental shooting

By Amy Teeple

Published on May 02, 2006

Tyler Dunne died after doctors at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island removed him from life support. At his parents' request, his organs were harvested for donation.

His parents issued the following statement, "Tyler Dunne has passed into a better place and this wonderful little boy is giving life to others through the gift of organ donation."

On the previous Sunday evening, Tyler found his father's .38-caliber revolver in a closet while looking for a small rubber ball. It is believed that Tyler was examining the firearm when it discharged. A single bullet entered the front of his head and exited the rear.

After hearing the gun discharge, Tyler's mother, Jill Dunne, found him and immediately called 911. Tyler's father, Officer Joseph T. Dunne, is a 14-year veteran of the New York City Police Department. He told investigators he was at a friend's house at the time of the accident.

Family and neighbors were shocked by the tragedy. Tyler's parents thanked "family, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and help."

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