Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman’s Grandson, Anthony, has died aged 13.
Since hearing the devastating news, fans have shared tributes across social media.
One person writes: “This poor family has endured so much tragedy and death. My gosh. Praying for everyone involved. I’m so sorry.”
“That’s horrible, like his family hasn’t already had enough heartbreak,” a second user adds.
“Love you and your family,” someone else pens. “Wishing you healing and continued strength that you carry.”
Chapman became a household name as he rose to fame through his reality television show, Dog the Bounty Hunter.
The bounty hunter captured Andrew Luster, the heir to the Max Factor fortune, who was on trial for r*pe and dr*g charges. This led to Chapman having his own series.
The show, which ran for eight seasons, captured audiences’ attention not only for the intense capturing of fugitives but also for Chapman and his family’s dynamic.
His sons and late wife Beth were part of his bounty team.
Chapman was married to Beth for 13 years until her passing in 2019 following a tragic battle with throat cancer.
The 72-year-old married Francie Frane in 2021, after the pair connected after both losing their partners.
In 2020, Frane told Entertainment Tonight : “We understood the pain that the other one was feeling and [in] those tough days and moments, we helped each other stand up. We could cry with each other and talk about what we were feeling.
“We were able to walk alongside each other through the pain and heartbreak, and it brought us together in this amazing way.”
Tragically, Chapman’s stepson, Gregory Zecc, has allegedly shot his 13-year-old son, Anthony.
TMZ reported there was an accidental shooting at an apartment in Naples, Fla., on Saturday, July 19.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to the Naples Daily News they’d responded to a call about a shooting at 8 p.m., which they state was an ‘isolated incident.’
Zecca reportedly has a passion for firearms, and social media posts from 2021 show him with his then-younger son at a shooting range, passing down his hobby.
Nine-year-old Anthony is seen posing with a rifle, smiling beside his father, the post’s captioned: “Getting some range time in with our buddies @franktownfirearms.”
Since the heartbreaking news, the family’s representative told TMZ: “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.”
They are asking for privacy at this time.
Police didn’t make an arrest, and the investigation into Anthony’s death is currently ongoing.
