@franciedogchapman / Instagram

The family of Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman is grieving an unimaginable loss after a tragic accident claimed the life of his 13-year-old stepgrandson, Anthony Zecca. According to a report from TMZ, the boy was accidentally shot and killed by his own father, Gregory Zecca, over the weekend in Naples, Florida.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a fatal shooting took place, describing it as an “isolated incident” but did not identify those involved. Chapman’s family later confirmed the devastating news through a statement shared with TMZ.

“We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible, tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony,” the family said.

Gregory Zecca is the son of Chapman’s wife, Francie Frane, whom Dog married in 2021. The two blended their families after losing their respective spouses—Chapman’s beloved wife, Beth, passed away in 2019 following a battle with throat cancer, and Frane was also recently widowed. Their shared journey through grief helped bring them together.

“We understood the pain that the other one was feeling,” Frane said in a 2020 interview with Entertainment Tonight. “We could cry with each other and talk about what we were feeling… it brought us together in this amazing way.”

Zecca, who has reportedly worked alongside Chapman in his bounty-hunting team, appeared to share a love of firearms. He had previously posted photos on Instagram of himself and his son at a gun range and a gun store in 2021.

While few details have been made public about the circumstances of the shooting, the family emphasized that it was a tragic accident—one that has left them heartbroken and asking for prayers during this time of deep sorrow.

Chapman, 72, is no stranger to personal loss, having experienced profound tragedy in his own life. With this latest heartbreak, the Christian bounty hunter and his family are leaning on their faith and asking others to join them in prayer.

As the investigation continues, the family has not released any additional details. What remains clear, however, is that this unexpected loss has left a painful void in a family that has already endured much.

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