Alaska Man Fatally Shoots Girlfriend, Then Himself, in Apparent Suicide

A young couple died in Fairbanks, Alaska, after a man allegedly shot his girlfriend and then died by suicide, according to the Fairbanks Police Department. The incident occurred on September 16 around 9 p.m.

Authorities identified the deceased as CloeRae McBrayer, 21, who had traveled from Alabama to visit her boyfriend, Landon Lowrance, 22. Investigators determined that Lowrance was handling a revolver when he allegedly pointed it at McBrayer and accidentally discharged the firearm.

An unidentified friend, who was present during the incident, called 911. Police noted that a disturbance could be heard in the background of the call. While the caller was on the line with dispatch, Lowrance reportedly obtained another firearm and shot himself. McBrayer was pronounced dead at the scene. Lowrance was transported to a hospital with critical injuries and later died.

Samuel Lowrance, Landon Lowrance's father, described the event as a "heartbreaking reminder that gun safety must never be taken for granted." He stated on Facebook that his son became "overwhelmed with grief and heartbreak" after the shooting and took his own life. He also remembered his son as having a "big, kind, and caring heart," adding that the tragedy "does not erase the person he was."

McBrayer's mother, Amanda Hooper, told KTUU that her daughter had met Lowrance through a friend and had decided to move to Alaska. McBrayer had recently enrolled at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Hooper mentioned that the couple had discussed marriage, and she expressed her grief, stating, "I’ll never get to see her get married. Never get to see her have a child." She also noted that her daughter had been terrified of guns.

Lowrance, was playing with a revolver when he pointed it at McBrayer and 'accidentally' pulled the trigger, investigators determined

Reports indicate Lowrance was enlisted in the U.S. Army. He reportedly served with the 65th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, before relocating to Alaska. The Daily Mail contacted the U.S. Army for comment.

A fundraiser has been established for McBrayer's family. Hooper expressed sympathy for Lowrance's family, stating, "I know my daughter loved Landon and I know Landon loved Cloe." She added that she was not angry with his parents as the situation was out of their control.

Lowrance's father said he 'became overwhelmed with grief and heartbreak over what had happened and took his own life'

An unidentified friend who was with the couple called 911 and dispatch noted 'a disturbance could be heard in the background during the call'

For those in need of support, the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 in the U.S., or online at 988lifeline.org.

Alaska Man Fatally Shoots Girlfriend, Then Himself, in Apparent Suicide

Authorities are investigating the deaths of a 21-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man in Fairbanks, Alaska, after the man allegedly shot his girlfriend and then took his own life.

Sources