Authorities have revealed that the tragic incident involving a 13-year-old boy in Indiana occurred when he was struck by a falling object that turned out to be a gunshot while playing basketball. The heartbreaking incident sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted the dangers of irresponsible firearm use and the devastating consequences it can have.
According to WMAQ, Noah Inman, 13, passed out while playing basketball with a group of friends at 9:30 p.m. According to witnesses who called an ambulance, the teenager may have had a seizure.
Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors discovered that he had been hit by a bullet that fell to the ground after someone nearby fired it into the sky. He later died.
The bullet was “most likely fired into the air as a firework,” according to a later police assessment.
The Hammond Police Department said in a statement that “unfortunately, this is a common action by many people who own guns in our city and need to know that this action has consequences and will be dealt with harshly by the Hammond Police Department.” I am asking the public to limit the use of illegal fireworks during July 4th celebrations.”
Hammond police issued a second statement after learning of Noah’s death.
The statement read: “The Hammond Police Department would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Inman family.” We send you our best wishes for comforting peace, courage to face the days ahead, and cherished memories to cherish forever. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. When logic fails, ask for peace in prayer. We will be with you in prayer.
Investigators have not identified the shooter.
Tom McDermott Jr., the mayor of Hammond, referred to the Inmans as “a good, close-knit Hammond family that has a (valuable] education” and called Noah’s death a “ridiculous coincidence.”
*1 Don’t you know what they think will happen when they shoot their guns in the air — that the bullet will disappear in mid-air? He claimed to have reported it to the Chicago Tribune. The shot could have come from Munster, Cal City, East Chicago, or pretty much anywhere nearby.
It’s senseless, like being struck by lightning, he continued. This is a terrible tragedy and I hope those responsible are brought to justice.
Noah’s baseball team’s initials and jersey number were sewn onto their caps the weekend after his death.
The team’s coach, Juan Maldonado, told the Tribune that hearing the fans chant during each of the three games they played over the weekend brought tears to his eyes. “Naomi, who I’ve coached since he started, won’t be here when I’m coaching my son,” the coach said.
Noah was described by Maldonado as a “dream kid”.
He was in a hurry in everything he did. He claimed that if you instructed him to catch on a hot day, he would catch the whole game. “He wouldn’t grumble if you had to put him on the bench because there were too many youngsters. Even though there are a few youngsters who are difficult to coach at times, Noah was one of the best.”
The tragic loss of Noah Inman serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with the careless use of a firearm and the impact it can have on innocent lives. The community mourns the loss of a promising young individual whose life was cut short by a senseless act that could have been avoided. As authorities continue to investigate, the hope remains that this tragic incident will spur more awareness and responsibility when it comes to firearms safety.