Investigators declined Wednesday to release details on how a 3-year-old boy got his hands on his father’s gun. But the autopsy confirmed the boy shot himself in the chest, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office said.
Holston Cole died Tuesday morning after finding the .380 caliber, semi-automatic pistol in his home, Sgt. Ashley Henson said. Police and firefighters were called to the family's Camp Circle home, near Dallas, around 7 a.m. after the boy shot himself, Henson said. Holston was taken by ambulance to Paulding WellStar Hospital but did not survive.
No criminal charges have been filed in the boy’s death, which remained under investigation late Wednesday. While the Cole family asked for privacy, the community rallied to support parents David and Haley Cole, along with the couple’s 1-year-old twin girls, Paisley and Macy. An associate pastor for West Ridge Church, where the family attends, released the first statement from the family Wednesday afternoon.
“The family appreciates all the prayers from the community and would ask for the courtesy of privacy during this time,” the statement said. “One thing remains, God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for everyone and he rose from the grave. When we believe in him, death is not the end, but the beginning of everlasting life with Jesus.”
News of Holston’s death was posted on the church’s Facebook page and shared more than 1,000 times, with hundreds of people commenting and sharing prayers for the family.
“Praying for strength, comfort and peace for the Cole family during this difficult time,” one woman posted.
In addition to condolences, friends set up fundraising websites and a calendar for those wanting to bring meals to the Cole family.
A Go Fund Me page had raised more than $8,000 by Wednesday afternoon, and donations continued. Through the website www.mealtrain.com, nearly 40 families volunteered to bring dinner to the Cole family through June.
“There are no words to express the deep sadness we feel for his parents David and Haley,” the page read. “Holston was full of energy and loved life. He lit up every room he entered and brought joy to so many that knew him.”
Holston was the second Paulding child in slightly more than six months to be unintentionally shot to death.
The Paulding Sheriff’s Office also investigated the October shooting death of 8-year-old Sharia Lynch. Sharia’s mother, Marsha Lynch, told investigators the gun had fallen and discharged inside the family’s home. In January, police said the mother had lied and that Sharia’s older brother had accidentally fired the gun. Quincy Lynch, 23, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct, and Marsha Lynch was charged with obstruction.
Visitation for Holston will be held Saturday at noon at West Ridge Church with a memorial service immediately following at 2 p.m. The family requests those attending wear bright colors.
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