Duane Chapman, famously known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, and his wife Francie have been through a lot in their lives—from personal losses to rebuilding love after grief.
But nothing could have prepared them for the devastating tragedy they faced on Saturday night.
Tragedy Strikes in Florida Home
The couple’s 13-year-old step-grandson, Anthony Zecca, died in a heartbreaking accident involving a firearm.
The young boy was reportedly shot and killed by his own father, Gregory Zecca, in what authorities are calling an isolated and accidental incident.
The tragedy unfolded inside their apartment in Naples, Florida, and local police confirmed they responded to a call about the shooting just before 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Man Behind the Gun: A Devastated Father
Gregory Zecca, 38, is Francie’s son from a previous marriage and has worked closely with Duane as part of his bounty hunting team.
Though shaken, law enforcement officials have not made any arrests, indicating there was no evidence of foul play.
It appears to be a tragic mishap that has left everyone stunned and grieving.
Duane and Francie Share Their Grief
In a heartfelt public statement, Duane and Francie expressed the deep pain they’re going through.
“We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony,” they shared.
The family is rallying around one another as they try to process the unimaginable.
A Young Life Full of Spirit and Stories
Anthony wasn’t just a regular teenager.
He had a bright spirit and a deep Christian faith that left a lasting impression on his loved ones.
One touching memory shared by his grandparents took place just last year when Anthony stayed with them over the summer.
While visiting Francie—his “Meemaw”—in the ER after she hurt her ankle, Anthony told a story that he believed was a sign from the Holy Spirit.
He recalled sitting with Duane in the waiting room when he suddenly felt a gust of cold wind hit him, even though it was warm and rainy outside.
He described feeling it on his chest first, and then again from behind as they walked to her hospital room.
Confused and curious, he asked his grandmother what it could mean, and she told him it was the Holy Spirit at work.
In that moment, something shifted.
Francie, who had been in serious pain, felt suddenly healed—and the injury turned out not to be serious after all.
Anthony’s Personality and Passions
Outside of his spiritual side, Anthony loved spending time with his family doing activities they all enjoyed.
He had a strong interest in firearms and had once proudly shared a photo of himself at a shooting range with his dad back in 2021.
But he was also a fun-loving kid who liked to dance to Usher and dress up at local Comic Con events—posing for pictures with sci-fi characters like Predator.
A Love Story Built on Shared Pain
Duane and Francie, who began dating in 2020, originally found comfort in one another through their shared experiences with loss.
Duane had lost his wife Beth Smith in 2019 to stage II throat cancer, while Francie was mourning her late husband Bob Frane, who died in 2018.
Their shared sorrow led to a bond that turned into love, and they got married in 2021.
This coming September, they were preparing to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary.
What Lies Ahead for the Chapman Family
As the family deals with this heartbreaking loss, they’ve asked for space, privacy, and prayers.
They’re leaning on their faith and each other to get through what may be one of the most difficult times they’ve ever faced.
While no one can take away the pain of losing young Anthony, his memory will undoubtedly live on through the love and stories shared by those who knew him best.