A 45-year-old Texas father, Jose Ramirez, died following an accidental shooting incident while removing his firearm from a car during a hunting trip in northeast Texas, officials reported. The incident occurred on a weekend hunting trip, with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) game wardens responding just after midnight Saturday to the scene. Ramirez, a father of three, was identified through a GoFundMe campaign created by one of his daughters, who described him as a devoted family man and community contributor.
The GoFundMe page, which details Ramirez’s passing, notes, ‘My father, Jose Ramirez, passed away unexpectedly, and our family is heartbroken. My dad meant the world to me.’ The daughter expressed gratitude for her father’s teachings, stating that he instilled values of perseverance, hard work, and happiness in her life. She described him as the ‘pillar of our home, the provider for our family, and the one who always made sure we were taken care of.’ She also mentioned his infant granddaughter as the ‘light of his life.’
According to local outlet KLTV, Ramirez was removing his firearm from a vehicle when it discharged, and life-saving measures were unsuccessful. The TPWD reiterated that while game wardens are trained to investigate hunting-related incidents, they ‘always wish a tragedy like this could have been avoided.’ The agency has since encouraged all hunters to ‘take safety seriously’ and shared safety reminders on their Facebook page, emphasizing the importance of handling firearms responsibly.
Ramirez, who grew up in Grapevine, was actively involved in the local community, working at various restaurants in the Dallas suburb over the years. His daughter’s GoFundMe post highlighted his professional contributions, including his roles at Son of a Butcher, Silver Lake Marina’s Rockin’ S Express Bar & Grill, and Kirby’s Steakhouse. The family has requested that the community learn of his passing, as many coworkers, customers, and locals cherished his presence and would want to be informed of his death.
Additionally, the incident highlights the broader issue of firearm safety in hunting activities. Texas’ general rifle season for white-tail deer began on November 1 and ends on different dates in January, depending on the location. The TPWD’s call for responsible firearm handling is particularly relevant given the recent spate of hunting-related tragedies, including instances in Colorado and Illinois, where fatal accidents have occurred. These cases underscore the importance of adhering to firearm safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of Jose Ramirez, the family’s call for remembrance and their emphasis on his positive impact serve as a reminder of the personal and communal losses that such tragedies entail. Ramirez’s legacy as a provider, mentor, and community member continues to be honored by those who knew him, with his family urging the public to reflect on the importance of safety and the value of human connection in everyday life.