An Alaska man accidentally shot and killed his girlfriend while handling a revolver and subsequently shot himself, according to police reports. CloeRae McBrayer, 21, was killed by her boyfriend Landon Lowrance, 22, last Wednesday, just days before they planned to get engaged, as stated by her family.
The Fairbanks Police Department reported that Lowrance shot McBrayer while playing with the gun and pointing it at her. A friend of Lowrance contacted 911 and remained on the line with dispatchers while officers were en route, during which a disturbance was heard in the background.
The friend attempted to intervene when Lowrance acquired another firearm and shot himself. McBrayer was pronounced dead at the scene when police arrived. Lowrance was critically injured and transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, where he later died.
The caller was interviewed by detectives and is not believed to have been involved in the shootings. The location of the incident has not been disclosed.
The police department described the incident as a tragic and preventable loss of life, urging the public to practice firearm safety at all times. They emphasized that firearms should always be handled responsibly and that individuals should avoid engaging in activities that could endanger others.
McBrayer was described by her mother, Amanda Hooper, as an “All-American Girl” who was excited about her recent acceptance to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to pursue a teaching career. She had been discussing engagement plans with Lowrance. Her family expressed their grief, noting that they were planning the couple's wedding.