Tucker Thayer died at school from a tragic accident with a stage prop.

In Washington County, the family of Tucker Thayer is mourning his loss after a tragic accident with a stage prop. A gun loaded with blanks went off and inflicted mortal injuries just before a stage production was to start at Desert Hills High School. Tucker Thayer was 15 years-old at the time of his death. According to news stories, Tucker’s father, Ron Thayer, says he did not know his son would be handling a prop gun loaded with blanks. The accident occurred around 6:20 pm on Saturday, November 15^th. He was pronounced dead by 10:00 pm that same evening. Tucker Thayer was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed helping with stage productions at the high school.     

Prop guns loaded with blanks can be just as deadly as those loaded with bullets when fired at close range. The gun uses combustion to fire and propels plastic at high velocity. The material can penetrate vulnerable organs and cause death.