Child Survives Complications at Birth but Accidentally Shoots Himself 2 Years Later

Linkin Leatham was viewed as a “miracle baby” in the medical community after surviving severe complications at birth. Linkin was born in Springville, Utah just 2 years ago.

“He was a miracle from the beginning, a fighter from the moment he entered this world,” the child's obituary reads. He had recovered from “considerable medical complications” at birth and had been released from hospital care in just two months, with no other lasting damage.

The little boy died last week after he accidentally discharged a gun, while his parents were both at home. His father, Owen Leatham, is a police officer in Springville, but the coroner's report stated that the gun that Linkin discharged was not his father's service revolver.

There is a strong possibility that the father held a second gun at his home, but no official statement has been made on the subject.

Deputy Utah County attorney Tim Taylor reported to KSL that the handgun in question did not have the safety in place. An autopsy is underway, and department officials strongly believe that the boy's death was an accident. They do not intend to press criminal charges, and are on their way to labeling Linkin's death as an unfortunate accident.

Owen and wife Melinda stated they were at home at the time of the incident, and that they only left the gun out for a short while.

“The gun was left out for not a very long time, and it was basically at eye level for this little guy,” the Utah County attorney representing them said.

It was enough time for the little boy to shoot himself in the head. He bled out to his tragic end in his parent's arms.

The Leathams have arranged for the boy's heart and corneas to be donated, in the hope of saving other children. He warns other parents about gun safety.

“He ran over and was just curious. It's just a real strong reminder to all of us who have weapons that if we carry them on our persons, we need to lock them up immediately. Don't set them down anywhere,“ he says.