12-year-old dies in accidental shooting, Oklahoma school says. ‘He was always smiling’

A 12-year-old boy known for his bubbly spirit and contagious smile was killed in an accidental shooting, school officials said.

Tyler Taffe died after being shot in an Edmond home on Saturday, Sept. 28, according to KOCO. It’s unclear who fired the fatal shot.

Police did not offer additional details about the shooting, but Millwood Public Schools Superintendent Cecilia J. Robinson-Woods called it a “gun accident.”

“Tyler was a bright and beloved member of our Arts Academy Middle School; known as a bubbly, joking and happy kid,” Robinson-Woods said in a statement.

Tyler was a member of his school’s football team, the superintendent said. Social media photos show he also played basketball.

His principal, Warren Pete, described Tyler as being “loved by many.” He said Tyler was a “typical kid” who “worked hard” and “smiled all the time.”

“My worst nightmare has come true,” Pete said in a Facebook post. “All of my students did not make it back to me over the weekend.”

Millwood football coach Marlon Owens said the team will honor Tyler with decals of his number on their helmets, KOKH reported.

“I have never lost a player whom I have coached and it hurts deeply. I was blessed to have the chance to enjoy your spirit and I smile because I know that spirit never dies it lives forever,” Owens said in a Facebook post. “Your smile will remain in my heart and you will always be in my mind.”

Others noted Tyler’s smile as well, including close friend Maxton Green, who told KFOR “he was always smiling.”

“He was funny. He was a very good, good person and a good friend to me,” Green told the station.

Edmond is about a 15-mile drive north from Oklahoma City.

This story was originally published October 2, 2024 at 8:01 AM with the headline "12-year-old dies in accidental shooting, Oklahoma school says. ‘He was always smiling’."