The family of Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman is reeling from a devastating loss that no one saw coming. On Saturday, July 19, tragedy struck in Naples, Florida, when 13-year-old Anthony—Dog’s step-grandson—was accidentally shot and killed at home. According to law enforcement sources, the gun discharged in what they are currently calling a heartbreaking accident, with no foul play suspected.

Anthony was the son of Gregory Zecca, who is the biological son of Francie Frane, Dog’s wife. Gregory is also a member of Dog’s bounty hunting team and someone who has frequently been seen by fans alongside his son and stepfather. The close bond they shared made the tragedy all the more painful for the tight-knit family.

Authorities responded to the shooting promptly, but no arrests have been made. Officials labeled the event an “isolated incident,” signaling that there was no indication of intentional harm. Still, the emotional toll of the event is immeasurable, and the investigation into how the gun discharged remains ongoing.

In a public statement released to TMZ, Dog and Francie expressed the overwhelming grief that has engulfed their family. “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. Their words reflect a raw pain that parents and grandparents everywhere can relate to—the kind of sorrow that leaves a permanent mark on a family.

Those close to the family describe Anthony as a bright and kind young teen who loved being around his family. He had recently taken more interest in his grandfather’s adventurous world of bounty hunting, occasionally tagging along on trips and appearing in behind-the-scenes photos. By all accounts, he was deeply loved, and his death has sent shockwaves not just through the Chapman household, but through the wider community of fans who have followed Dog’s journey for years.

For Duane Chapman, this marks yet another tragedy in a life filled with both public triumphs and personal heartbreaks. In 2006, he lost his daughter Barbara in a car accident the day before his wedding. And in 2019, the world mourned with him when his beloved wife Beth passed away after a battle with throat cancer. Now, with the loss of young Anthony, it’s clear that grief has once again come knocking—and this time, it’s for someone far too young.

Supporters from around the world have already begun flooding social media with condolences and prayers for the family. Posts describing Anthony as “beautiful,” “gentle,” and “full of light” paint the picture of a boy who had so much life ahead of him.

Gun safety advocates are also highlighting the tragedy as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered when firearms are involved, even in homes that may seem secure. It’s unclear whether the gun involved in Anthony’s death was legally owned or stored properly, but the event has reignited conversations about responsible gun ownership in American households.

Gregory Zecca, Anthony’s father, has not made a public statement since the incident, but those close to him say he is “completely broken.” Losing a child is one of the most painful experiences any parent can face, but the added weight of having been involved in the accident makes this grief nearly unbearable.

While details continue to emerge, what remains clear is that the Chapman family is facing one of the darkest chapters in their story. Duane, who has built a public identity around capturing fugitives and restoring order, now finds himself in a situation where no justice or resolution can ease the pain.

No funeral details have been released at this time, and the family has asked for privacy as they process their unimaginable loss. But if history is any guide, Dog the Bounty Hunter and his loved ones will continue to lean on each other—and on the support of millions who have followed them over the years.

This tragedy isn’t just about a public figure losing a grandson. It’s about a family, like so many others, that now has an empty chair at the table, a silent bedroom down the hall, and a future that looks painfully different than it did just days ago.