Man 'dies in mother's arms' after tragic accident
A man has died “in his mother’s arms” after accidentally discharging a homemade firearm.
Timmothy Matthew Gardiner, 29, of Launceston, Tasmania, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest after the unstable homemade firearm he possessed suddenly discharged on Saturday about 7.50am, police said.
“As a result of investigations carried out including interviewing a number of witnesses and gathering and analysing evidence from the scene, we are satisfied that Tim’s death was a tragic accident,” Detective Inspector Kim Steven said in a statement.
“Police have been able to determine that Tim was in possession of a small homemade firearm at a residence nearby the unit where he was located at the time of his death.
Police have spoken to three other men who were present when the incident occurred.”
Detective Inspector Steven said Mr Gardiner rushed to his mum’s house nearby on Blyth Street but died a short time later.
She told News Corp he “died in the lounge room, basically in his mother’s arms”.
“This is a tragic accident and our thoughts are with Tim’s family and loved ones at this difficult time,” Detective Inspector Steven said.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Tasmania has a permanent firearms amnesty, where members of the public can hand in unwanted, unregistered or illegal firearms without penalty.
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