Alabama mother heartbroken after teen accidentally shot himself to death: ‘He was crying out for me’
Jeremiah Maddox, 15, died inside a Northport apartment while hanging out with friends and his older brother.
Mason Reed 
The community is mourning the loss of a 15-year-old boy following a tragic accidental shooting in Northport. Jeremiah Maddox, who was remembered by his mother as a selfless and outgoing teenager, died on Monday night while spending time with friends and his older brother.
Jeremiah Maddox was at a Northport apartment when the incident occurred, a moment his mother, Michelle Steed, described as a heartbreaking accident that took place just as the group finished recording a video.
Investigation into the tragedy
Northport police were alerted to the scene at the Knoll Circle Apartments via a 911 call at 11:55 p.m. Monday. Despite the immediate efforts of his brother and friends to keep him awake and stable, Jeremiah succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest at the scene.
Capt. Marty Sellers of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit confirmed that the investigation remains active. Sellers noted that, at this time, there is no evidence to suggest an altercation or argument preceded the shooting. While officials are working to determine how the weapons were present in the home, no charges have been filed, and Steed has expressed that she does not wish for anyone to face charges, citing the close bond between the group.
A mother’s grief
Steed described the final moments as agonizing, recounting the story from her other son who held Jeremiah’s hand as he passed. The mother, who also cares for a child with special needs, is now facing the unimaginable task of burying her son. She recalled her spirit feeling troubled just before she received the devastating phone call from a neighbor.
“He was a loving and caring person,” Steed said. “He was just the sweetest. He would do anything for anybody.”
How to help
In the wake of this loss, the family is seeking support for funeral expenses. Donations can be made directly to Will’s Funeral Home, located at 701 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Northport, AL 35476. You can contact the funeral home at 205-758-3444 for more information or to contribute in person.
