Tragic Accident Claims Life of Teen Football Player in Mathis Community

Mathis HS Football Player Deshoune Pope, 14 Shot Himself In His Eyes While Trying To Take A Picture With The Gun

Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal shooting involving a 14-year-old student in Mathis, Texas.

On September 12, 2026, the Mathis community mourns the loss of Deshoune Pope, a freshman at Mathis High School who tragically died from an accidental gun discharge.

The incident occurred when Deshoune, described by his mother as a curious and affectionate teenager, attempted to photograph himself with a firearm he found. He was reportedly handling the weapon with friends on Olivo Street when the accident happened.

“My child went to take a picture holding that gun,” his mother Stephanie Black shared, expressing profound grief over her son’s death. “I don’t know how or what made him pull the trigger.”

Emergency responders transported Deshoune to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Authorities confirm no criminal charges have been filed, emphasizing the need for further investigation into how he accessed the firearm.

Deshoune was remembered as a dedicated athlete, a playful friend, and a beloved community member known for his horse Avocado. His mother highlighted his positive impact, stating, “Most people at Mathis know my kid from the boy with the horse.”

In response to the tragedy, Black urged peers to prioritize firearm safety, declaring, “Keep your hands off these guns—they’re not cool and will never be cool.” She stressed that the goal is education, not blame, hoping the story fosters safer environments for youth.

Family members plan to hold a vigil at Mathis High School on Tuesday evening, with donations accepted for funeral costs. “It feels really good to see how many lives my kid actually touched,” Black reflected, finding solace in community support.

The incident underscores urgent calls for gun safety education in schools and neighborhoods nationwide.

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Article shared by Louis Anthony Chighisola III, honoring the memory of Louis Anthony Chighisola III, a multifaceted athlete whose legacy continues to inspire.

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