The family of renowned bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman is dealing with a devastating tragedy following the unintentional shooting of his step-grandson, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Gregory Zecca, the child’s father, allegedly shot his 13-year-old son, Anthony, in a fatal incident that occurred on Saturday, July 19, at their Naples, Florida apartment.
According to sources with firsthand knowledge of the situation, the shooting happened during what has been described as a freak accident.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that they arrived at the scene after receiving a call about the shooting around 8 p.m. ET. As the investigation continues, authorities have classified the incident as “isolated” and have made no arrests as of yet.
A family representative issued a statement saying, “Dog the Bounty Hunter and Francie are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and would like to ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony.” They emphasized the family’s need for privacy during this difficult period.
Dog, 72, known for his tough exterior and daring bounty hunting adventures, is no stranger to loss.
He had previously experienced grief following the death of his wife, Beth Chapman, who died in June 2019 after a long battle with cancer.
After adjusting to life without her, Dog fell in love with Francie, who has faced her own set of challenges.
In a candid 2020 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Francie discussed how their shared experiences with loss brought them closer.
She recalled: “As soon as I hung up the phone, I called my girlfriend and said, ‘Are you sitting down right now because you’re not going to believe who I just spoke to.'” “She was screaming, ‘I told you!'”
For Francie, their bond was formed through mutual understanding.
She told viewers, “We understood each other’s pain and helped each other stand up during those difficult days and moments.”
“We could cry together and share our emotions…” It brought us together in such an amazing way.
Dog proposed to Francie in 2020, less than a year after they began dating.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Francie told The Sun U.S. on May 4, 2020. “I went to get some food, and when I returned, he had turned off all the lights except for a few on and candles lit…” Then he said, ‘Come in, sit down because I need to talk to you.'”
