The family of the instructor accidentally killed by a 9-year-old girl at a shooting range has spoken out to NBC, and they show nothing but understanding.
CHARLES VACCA'S DAUGHTER: "He was a good person, but we know they are as well. We just want to make sure they understand that we know it was a tragic accident and that it's something we're all going to have to live with."
That was one of Charles Vacca's daughters. His ex-wife and their four children sat down with the network. Vacca was, as you've seen in the headlines, killed Monday.
CHARLES VACCA: "'Cause the gun won't fire, OK?"
ANCHOR FOR KPNX: "The girl is only 9 years old, holding a gun that shoots 600 rounds a minute. The video stops as the girl fires on full auto, hitting Charles Vacca in the head."
ANCHOR FOR KTVK: "Mojave County sheriffs wrapped up their investigation yesterday, ruling the death an accident. The state's OSHA team is now conducting its own investigation. We're told the gun range is closed indefinitely."
The girl's name has not been released, and as you heard there, this has been ruled an accident. She seemingly lost control of the weapon. No charges will be filed. Again, Vacca's children show incredible compassion in their interview.
Especially in the face of what is turning into a debate. Vacca's death might be raising valid questions about children and guns, but it's a debate that's turned a bit distasteful in some arenas.
Look at this needlessly pun-filled headline from The Dallas Morning News. It's a "rapid-fire debate."
NBC's interview with Vacca's family reminds us he was a person and his loss is felt.
You can see it all at NBC's website. In the full interview, Vacca's daughters also talk about communicating with the girl's family.
