Unlocked guns and meds fuel spike in child deaths, Kentucky report finds

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — New data shows an increase in accidental shootings and overdoses involving Kentucky children.

Kentucky’s Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel reviewed 12 cases involving firearms, and all but one resulted in a death.

The panel’s 2024 annual report includes data from 219 cases. Since 2014, 75% of all cases reviewed involved children age 4 or younger.

The report said the accidental overdoses and shootings are largely happening because guns and prescription medications in the home are not being properly secured.

Young people aren't just dying from gun violence on the street or from drugs purchased from a dealer.

“Kids are getting into medicine cabinets, ingesting medicine and dying of an overdose — or that gun at home is not locked up, not stored safely, and kids are accidentally shooting themselves,” said Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates.

Brooks said there are some common factors behind these incidents: drug abuse, child abuse and poverty.

“There are solutions that come from families and communities, and that’s where we need faith communities, nonprofits and business leaders to step up and talk about causes,” Brooks said.

Rep. Rachel Roarx, D-Louisville, said lawmakers are working to find solutions or draft better legislation.

“After hearing that data, we as lawmakers need to start figuring out where the political will is and start drafting legislation from there,” Roarx said. “Safety is of the utmost importance for our children.”

“Often, the legislature is slow to make major financial investments, but research shows there’s a huge return on investment,” she said.

Ultimately, child advocates said the responsibility lies with the caregiver.

The full report can be viewed below:

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