Tragedy in Columbus: Three-Year-Old Boy Dies After Accidental Shooting, Family Seeks Help

• Child Dies in Accidental Shooting in Columbus
• Mother Faces Charges
• Family Seeks Support on GoFundMe

The city of Columbus, Ohio, is in shock after the death of a three-year-old boy, identified as Cartier Smith, who lost his life after accidentally shooting himself with a gun inside his own home.

The tragic incident occurred on the morning of Monday, September 22, in an apartment complex located on Kodiak Drive in the southeastern part of the city.

Officers from the Columbus Division of Police received the emergency call at 8:55 a.m. and, upon arrival, found the child in critical condition.

He was rushed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly before 10 a.m., leaving his family and community heartbroken.

Gun Without Safety Triggered the Accidental Shooting in Columbus

According to the preliminary investigation, Cartier gained access to an unsecured handgun inside the apartment.

Court documents indicate that his mother, Carley Dials, 29, had found the weapon in the bedroom earlier that morning.

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The gun had been placed between the mattress and the wall before Dials and Sean Perrin, 31, went upstairs to sleep.

Around 8:50 a.m., the child entered the bedroom, grabbed the gun, and accidentally fired it while on the bed.

Charges Against the Mother and Accomplice

Following the tragedy, Carley Dials was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, while Sean Perrin was later detained for weapons possession under disability.

Perrin, who had a prior conviction for aggravated assault in 2010, also faced an outstanding arrest warrant for violating probation.

The judge set bond at $50,000 for Dials and $750,000 for Perrin, given the circumstances and Perrin’s criminal history related to firearms.

Reports confirm that Cartier’s older sibling was placed under the custody of Franklin County Children’s Services.

Neighborhood Reactions to the Tragedy

The incident sparked sadness and concern among neighbors at the apartment complex.

“I feel so sorry for the baby,” said resident Tasha Birthwright, who urged more responsibility when it comes to guns inside homes.

“We have to be careful with these kids, these babies. These guns and all this violence—it’s not good,” she added with visible frustration.

The case has reignited debate in the community about child safety and access to firearms in households with minors, according to local outlet 10 TV.

Family Seeks Support to Say Goodbye to Cartier Smith

Cartier Smith’s relatives have turned to a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and give him a dignified farewell.

“On September 22, 2025, our beloved grandson Cartier, only 3 years old, tragically and accidentally suffered a gunshot wound and was taken from us far too soon. We are devastated,” the family wrote in a statement.

They described him as a joyful, lively child, always smiling, who adored his older sister and lit up every room.

“Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly to funeral expenses and help our family during this heartbreaking time,” they added.

The community has begun to show solidarity, sharing messages of support and prayers in memory of little Cartier Smith, whose loss has left an irreparable void.