Naples, Florida — On the evening of July 19, 2025, a devastating accident took place in a Naples apartment when Gregory Zecca, stepson of reality star Duane “Dog” Chapman, mistakenly shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony. Emergency services arrived around 8 p.m., and although no foul play is suspected, authorities have described it as an “isolated incident,” and no arrests have been made.
🕊️ Family’s Response
A family representative conveyed heartfelt sorrow on behalf of Duane Chapman and his wife, Francie, saying:
“We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible, tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony”.
Chapman and Francie, who married in September 2021 after each had lost partners, are now navigating profound grief stemming from a devastatingly unintended event.
🧒 About Anthony and Gregory
Anthony, Zecca’s only son and Chapman’s stepgrandson, had shared a close bond with his father, notably during joint trips to shooting ranges—a pastime that later resurfaced in family photos shared online. Despite safety precautions, those outings tragically preceded the July 19 accident.
Gregory Zecca is a longtime collaborator of Chapman’s, assisting with his bounty-hunting endeavors. Authorities continue their investigation, treating this as an unfortunate but standalone family tragedy.
Key Takeaways
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Incident date: July 19, 2025, around 8 p.m. in Naples, FL.
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Involved: 38‑year‑old Gregory Zecca and his 13‑year‑old son, Anthony.
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Status: Described as a tragic, isolated accident; no arrests pending.
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Family statement: A call for prayers and privacy during their mourning.
📌 Context on Duane Chapman
Duane Chapman, also known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, rose to fame capturing fugitives from 2004 to 2015. Married to Francie since 2021, he has endured multiple personal losses, most notably the death of his fifth wife, Beth, from cancer in 2019.
💬 Why this matters
This tragedy spotlights the inherent risks when families engage with firearms—even recreationally. In this case, a routine activity ended in irreversible heartbreak, underscoring the crucial importance of firearm safety and oversight.
We’ll continue to follow developments and provide updates as authorities and the family release more information.
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