“Damarion was full of love, always helpful, and a bright teenager who made every day better for those around him,” read part of a GoFundMe set up by Damarion’s mother. “He was special to me in so many ways, and his kindness touched everyone he met.”
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Jonah Tanner (left); and Damarion Jones.Credit : forevermissed.com; GoFundMe
NEED TO KNOW
Jonah Tanner, 13, and Damarion Jones, 16, were found shot inside a New York home last week
Damarion was pronounced deceased at the scene
Jonah’s family said he was declared brain dead and are raising funds for his funeral
Two best friends in New York State are being mourned by loved ones after an accidental shooting and an alleged suicide.
Jonah Tanner, 13, and 16-year-old Damarion Jones were found with gunshot wounds inside a Syracuse, N.Y. home on Wednesday, June 24, Syracuse.com, the Finger Lakes Daily News and WSYR-TV reported, citing information provided by the Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick and the Syracuse Police Department.
Damarion died on Wednesday, Syracuse police said, per the outlets. Jonah was taken to the hospital and has been legally declared brain dead, according to his family, who told CNY Central on Monday they are in the process of donating his organs. They also said in a GoFundMe that they are preparing to put the child to rest.
The investigation revealed Damarion accidentally shot Jonah inside the residence, per the three outlets. Afterwards, Damarion seemingly “felt so guilt-ridden he shot himself,” Fitzpatrick told WSYR-TV.
Two separate GoFundMe appeals have been set up for the boys.
In the fundraiser for Jonah, his family said the boys were “inseparable” who “shared every moment and support[ed] one another through everything.”
“Their friendship brought so much joy and love to our lives, and their bond was truly special,” read the GoFundMe set up to assist the families to lay them to rest together.
At a vigil organized for the boys on Sunday, Jonah’s mother told CNY Central that he loved football and fashion and was known for his personality.
“Damarion was full of love, always helpful, and a bright teenager who made every day better for those around him,” read part of a GoFundMe set up by Damarion’s mother. “He was special to me in so many ways, and his kindness touched everyone he met.”
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Further details about the circumstances was not immediately available.
PEOPLE has reached out to Syracuse police and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office for further information.
