A heartbroken family have launched an urgent appeal for help after an 11-year-old boy was shot dead in a shocking incident at a US airport.
Callan West Perez suffered multiple gunshot wounds inside a restroom and was rushed to hospital, where he later died.
Emergency services had raced to the scene following reports of an active shooter.
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Officers arrived to find a man dead near the airline ticket counter and the young boy fighting for his life nearby.
Despite desperate efforts by medics, Callan could not be saved, as reported by Need To Know.
In a heartbreaking statement, his devastated family described him as “incredibly smart, funny and kind”, adding he had “the biggest heart and the sweetest soul”.
They said: “There are no words that can truly capture the pain, confusion and heartbreak we are all living through right now.
“He deserved so much more life, so many more laughs, and a future that was stolen far too soon.”
Police later confirmed the man found dead at the scene was Callan’s father, Giovanni Perez.
Investigators believe the pair had been travelling together when their vehicle broke down, prompting them to go to the airport to arrange alternative transport.
According to authorities, the father and son entered a restroom together before briefly leaving and then returning inside.
It was there that Callan was shot, for reasons that remain unclear.
Police say the man then exited the restroom and fatally shot himself near the ticket counter.
Bomb squad officers were called as a precaution to examine the vehicle linked to the pair, but no explosives were found.
The tragedy unfolded at Elko International Airport in Nevada, causing major disruption as flights were halted before the airport reopened the following day.
Callan’s family are now raising funds to help cover funeral costs and to support a potential legal fight, saying they want justice “against a system that failed him”.
They added: “Please help us honour Callan’s life and give him the farewell he deserves.”
Authorities have urged anyone struggling with their mental health to seek support, including contacting the US suicide and crisis lifeline.
The investigation is ongoing.
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