Christian Chavez, 15, Fatally Shot in Accidental Shooting at Whistlers Cove Apartments in Lely Resort; 13-Year-Old Irving Adrian Jimenez Lopez Charged with Manslaughter

LELY RESORT, FL — In the early hours of Monday, May 26, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the Whistlers Cove Apartments in Lely Resort, Florida. Christian Chavez, a 15-year-old student at East Naples Middle School, was fatally shot in the head. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at approximately 1:12 a.m. and confirmed that Chavez had died from a gunshot wound to the head. A 13-year-old boy, identified as Irving Adrian Jimenez Lopez, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the shooting, which authorities believe to be accidental.

Chavez was known among his peers and family as a kind-hearted individual with a passion for soccer. His sister described him as a loving uncle and the son of a single mother, emphasizing his positive impact on those around him.

The incident has left the community in shock, raising concerns about how a teenager could access a firearm. Neighbors expressed their confusion and sorrow, with one resident, Kenneth Griffin, questioning how such a young individual could obtain a gun and the lack of awareness about the consequences of handling firearms.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the firearm was acquired and the events leading up to the incident. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details at this time.

This tragic event underscores the importance of firearm safety and the need for community awareness to prevent such incidents in the future.

Note: This article is based on available information as of May 27, 2025. Further updates will be provided as new details emerge.

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