An incident in Alaska resulted in the deaths of two individuals after a man accidentally shot his girlfriend while reportedly "playing" with a gun, then died by suicide. The Fairbanks Police Department confirmed the deaths of CloeRae McBrayer, 21, and Landon Lowrance, 22.
According to police, Lowrance shot McBrayer with a revolver while pointing it at her during what was described as "playing with the gun." A friend of Lowrance's was on the phone with 911 when the initial shooting occurred. The dispatcher could reportedly hear a disturbance in the background during the call.
While the friend was on the phone with emergency services and attempting to intervene, Lowrance obtained another firearm and shot himself. Police stated the caller was interviewed and is not believed to have been involved in the shootings.
Officers responded to the scene to find McBrayer already deceased. Lowrance was transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital with critical injuries, where he later died. The location where the double tragedy occurred has not been immediately specified.
Fairbanks Police described the incident as a "tragic and preventable loss of life" and urged the public to "practice firearm safety at all times." They further advised that "individuals should never participate in games or activities involving firearms that place anyone at risk of injury or death."
Family members stated that McBrayer and Lowrance were planning to get engaged and were discussing wedding plans. McBrayer, originally from Alabama, was studying to become a teacher and had recently been accepted to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.