Deleon Alonso Smith, 19, from Houston, Texas, was trying to get a picture of himself holding a gun to his head, when the loaded weapon went off, killing him.
After hearing the shot, the victim’s uncle ran into the apartment and attempted to resuscitate his nephew but he had sadly already passed away.
He told local radio station KPRC: ‘It’s he worst feeling in my life.’
Tragically, the 19-year-old leaves behind two young daughters, with family members reportedly devastated by their loss.
Grandmother Alma Douglas said: ‘It’s a numb feeling. It’s still unbelievable. Yesterday was my birthday and he came to wish me happy birthday, and now this kind of news.’
Houston Police Department are still looking into the matter, but have said: ‘all indications are this is an accident.’