Anthony Alexander: Tragedy in Collingdale: Teen Hero Dies in Accidental Shooting

On Sunday, a 16-year-old kid accidentally shot and murdered Anthony Alexander, a 17-year-old youngster who was acclaimed as a hero in 2022 for saving three children who fell through a freezing pond in Collingdale. The person who pulled the trigger, Diamire Hickman, is charged as an adult with third-degree murder and related offences. The deceased’s family has allowed the release of his name but has requested privacy as they deal with the shock.

Image source – Delco Times

Heroic Deed

Three youngsters were standing on a frozen pond in Collingdale Park on February 21, 2022, when they slipped through the ice. Alexander, an Academy Park High School student, witnessed the tragedy and attempted to save them. He jumped into the pond with a stick and rescued two children. The police arrived and helped bring everyone to safety.

Accidental Shooting

Less than a year later, Alexander lost his life in an accidental shooting at home in Upper Darby. The incident occurred around 4:45 PM on Sunday which is believed to have resulted from kids playing with a loaded gun. The gun went off, and Alexander was shot and killed. Diamire Hickman, the shooter, is being prosecuted as an adult with third-degree murder and associated offences.

Investigation

The police are still conducting interviews, and anyone who was there or knew what happened is urged to contact the Upper Darby police. During an interview with police, Hickman indicated that he and some other apartment residents were live broadcasting on Instagram while passing two weapons around. He put his hand on the trigger of one of the rifles, causing a round of ammunition to be discharged and killing Alexander. Still, photographs showing the adolescent exiting the scene and strolling across a yard with a weapon were displayed to him. The police questioning ended when he cited his constitutional right to stay quiet.

Safety Measures

The police superintendent, Timothy Bernhardt, has stressed that parents monitor their children and their social media profiles. He advised parents to know where their children are and what they are doing, follow their social media, and report any talk about guns to the police. Bernhardt also said that the township is preparing a seminar on gun safety and handling firearms safely and will be working with the school district and private schools shortly. The meeting will remind people how dangerous guns can be and encourage them to avoid firearms.

Conclusion

The death of Anthony Alexander is a tragedy, and the police are still investigating where the gun came from. Alexander was a hero who ensured that someone else did not die, but unfortunately, his life was taken in an accidental shooting. The police are requesting anybody with the knowledge to come forward, and parents are being reminded to watch their children’s social media sites. The municipality is also implementing gun safety measures and will collaborate with schools to educate residents about the risks of weapons.

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