NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro police are investigating the death of an 81-year-old man Monday after he accidentally shot himself in the chest while in his apartment handling a firearm.
Johnnie Thompson, 81, was spending time with a friend inside his apartment in the 100 block of Claiborne Street around 9 a.m. Monday "demonstrating the use of a Derringer pistol" when he dropped the handgun, says Metro police. The gun discharged when it hit the floor and struck him in the chest, according to the friend who was visiting Thompson.
Thompson was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Metro police say the investigation into Thompson's death remains open.
This is a story I immediately went home and showed my boys - young athletes with big dreams. The Vanderbilt football team's success has stolen the spotlight - what I love about Steve Layman's story is he reveals the individual hardships it took to get there. As Clark Lea says, "we all have scuff marks." This team proves perseverance pays off!
- Carrie Sharp
