A heartbreaking tragedy has left a family grieving after the death of an 11-year-old boy at an airport in Elko.
What Happened at the Airport
According to the Elko Police Department, the incident occurred on April 13 at Elko Regional Airport.
Authorities reported that:
- Callan West Perez was found with gunshot wounds inside a restroom
- He was taken to the hospital but later died
- His father, Giovanni Perez, also died after shooting himself
Events Leading Up to the Incident
Investigators said the father and son were travelling together when their vehicle broke down near Winnemucca, Nevada.
They were then taken to Elko to arrange another vehicle.
At the airport:
- They entered a restroom together
- Left briefly, then returned
- It was during this second visit that the shooting occurred
Police say the child was shot inside the restroom, and the father later took his own life outside the area.
Possible Background Factors
Authorities noted that:
- The father was reportedly involved in a custody dispute
- He may have been trying to keep the child away from family members
- He was believed to be dealing with PTSD related to military service
However, the exact motive remains unclear.
Remembering the Victim
Callan’s family described him as:
- Kind and thoughtful
- Intelligent and full of life
- Someone who brought joy to those around him
He had even recently been recognised in a school essay contest about father figures, making the tragedy even more painful for loved ones.
Community and Family Grief
The incident has deeply affected both sides of the family. Relatives have shared emotional messages, expressing sorrow over the loss of the child and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
