Rhianna Benson
A Wisconsin toddler has died after being fatally shot by his big brother.
Police rushed to the heartbreaking scene on Friday (10 Apr) to find two-year-old Crewe Zahradnik, who was later identified via a GoFundMe page, had sustained a devastating gunshot wound.
A statement later released by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office revealed that the child sadly succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by attending officers.
According to local news outlet FOX 11, Crewe's four-year-old brother had been the one to pull the trigger.
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The pair had been left inside their family's car, which was parked on the driveway of their home, alongside another young child.
The authorities have reported that the boys' parents had briefly re-entered the property to grab something they'd left behind ahead of a journey.
Crewe's brother had allegedly taken hold of a firearm that had been hidden within the centre console of the vehicle, causing it to go off.
A passerby taking a walk stumbled upon the scene moments after a bullet struck Crewe, calling 911.
No other witnesses were harmed, and no foul play is suspected.
"That firearm discharged, striking a two-year-old sibling victim," the statement disclosed. "No one else was injured. The incident was isolated to the driveway of the residence, and foul play is not suspected."
The GoFundMe page set up in Crewe's honour by members of the local community described the toddler as a boy who 'lived each day with boundless zest for life, finding wonder in the smallest moments and sharing his laughter wherever he went'.
His family also referred to the toddler as a 'happy go lucky little man', and a major fan of both coffee and the rodeo, who would be 'stealing his mommy's coffee DAILY' in an online obituary.
The tribute continued: "He loved eating breakfast at the counter stools, then eating another breakfast with his grandpa on the same stools. Crewe loved sucking his thumb and cuddling with his blankie.
"He loved his brothers so much; always doing whatever they were, chasing the chickens together, and just being the absolute perfect little brother to them all. Crewe loved spending time helping his mom in the garden.
"He loved going to watch his big brother, Liam, wrestle at tournaments or practice. He loved attending football games or wrestling meets where he could see his 'Da' coaching. He also loved seeing his grammy coach her cheerleaders and going to greet her in the mornings with snuggles."
The message added: "Crewe was ONE HAPPY CAMPER, always ready for the next adventure, travelling to new campgrounds, finding new children’s museums to explore, and playing with all the circle friends."
According to the sheriff's office, Crewe's family are fully cooperating with the police investigation.
"Any criminal charges that may be forthcoming will be determined at a later time upon the conclusion of the investigation," the official report noted.