Boy, 4, who shot himself dies

A 4-year-old boy who shot himself at his grandparents’ northwest Harris County home has died, family members confirmed Thursday.

The family of Bryson Hernandez released a statement through Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

“Bryson, our sweet little boy who was loved by everyone he ever met, passed away earlier today and we are utterly heartbroken,” his family said.

The hospital and sheriff ’s officials confirmed he was the boy who shot himself.

Authorities arrived at the Cypress home in the 15400 block of Redbud Berry Way shortly after midnight Tuesday. Bryson was breathing and unresponsive. He was rushed to the Texas Medical Center where he remained until his death.

Bryson was visiting his grandparents at their home. Harris County sheriff ’s officials said they were “cooperating with investigators fully.” The findings will be forwarded to a Harris County grand jury.

Children’s Protective Services also will investigate, but CPS officials said in the past the agency hasn’t had any dealings with the family.

Bryson loved and was devoted to two things — his family, especially his sisters, and Iron Man — his favorite superhero.

“He looked up to Iron Man because he was strong, fearless and he dedicated his life to helping others,” the family said in the statement.

CPS officials want to find out how Bryson was able to gain access to the gun. Last year, at least four children died in Harris County as a result of accidental shootings.

Adults can be prosecuted for making a firearm accessible to a child, a misdemeanor charge.

In the statement released Thursday, family members said they hoped Bryson’s death would be a reminder to families with firearms in the home.

“Always check to make sure you know where your guns are and that they are safely out of reach of children, not loaded and locked away,” the statement said.

Bryson will now save the lives of other children as an organ donor.