- Gary Gatewood was a beloved friend, devoted father, and cherished husband.
- September 4th, Gary lost his life in a hunting accident when his rifle misfired.
- Video shows his wife Katie speaking about his life and legacy that will live on.
(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story)
"I have no idea how I’m going to do life without him," said Gatewood.
An unimaginable loss now becomes an emotional reality. I'm your St. Johns neighborhood reporter, Russell Shellberg. A St. Johns family that lost their father in a hunting accident is remembering him as their everything.
"This may look like a normal day at the Gatewood home, but lately, a significant piece has been missing—a void that can't be filled, "
"The 9-1-1 dispatcher said specifically that you could hear him losing consciousness," said Gatewood.
Just one day before her and her husband's 9th anniversary, Katie Gatewood says life turned upside down. Her husband, Gary, was hunting waterfowl, and while trying to fix his rifle, he accidentally shot himself in the thigh.
"It's hard knowing that there was no saving him," said Gatewood.
Another difficult thought Katie acknowledges is taking care of their three daughters—one of whom was born with complications and is now on life support at home.
"Gary and I spent weeks learning how to take care of her. She has a lot of special needs. She's tube-fed 24/7, and she has intestines on the outside of her stomach," said Gatewood.
Katie says she isn't sure how she'll manage, but she knows one thing for certain.
"They're my world. And I have to be strong," said Gatewood.
Helping Katie find that strength are her family, friends, and community, who have started a GoFundMe, provided dinners, and even organized a cornhole event in Gary's name—his favorite activity.
"Good people do still exist."
"I'm confident his legacy will live on through these three girls. He was a very loved man," said Gatewood.
Click here to donate to the family's gofundme.
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