Houston teen kills himself taking selfie with a gun

HOUSTON (KRON/CNN) — A 19-year-old Houston man accidentally killed himself Tuesday while posing for selfies with a gun, police said.

Deleon Alonso Smith was in an apartment, when the gun went off, hitting him in the throat, CNN affiliate KPRC reported. It happened a day before Smith was set to start community college.

Family members expressed shock over the tragedy.

“It’s the worst feeling in my life,” Eric Douglas, the victim’s uncle said.

“It’s a numb feeling. It’s still unbelievable,” Smith’s grandmother Alma Douglas said. “Yesterday was my birthday and he came to wish me happy birthday, and then to hear this kind of news.”

Investigators told KPRC that Smith’s cousin was in another room at the time the gun went off.

The cousin told police they found the gun earlier in the day. Police are investigating.

Smith leaves behind two young children.