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Coroner Rules Air Rifle Death Accidental at Party

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 10:21 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Jack Beechy, 18, accidentally fired an air rifle, killing 17-year-old Connor Bell.
The shooting occurred on 8 November 2025 at a house party on Cowslad Drive, Chineham, Hampshire.
Connor Bell died two days later at Southampton General Hospital from a head wound.
Coroner Jason Pegg ruled the death accidental, citing a gunshot wound to the head.

History

Historical Context

The 13 March 1996 Dunblane school shooting, in which Thomas Hamilton killed 16 children and a teacher, shocked the UK. The Cullen Report’s recommendations spurred the Conservative government to pass the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, banning hand-guns, and a second 1997 amendment completed the ban. The accidental air-rifle death on 8 November 2025 in Scotland revives debate over those reforms.

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Story summary

Jack Beechy, 18, accidentally fired an air rifle, killing 17-year-old Connor Bell.
The shooting occurred on 8 November 2025 at a house party on Cowslad Drive, Chineham, Hampshire.
Connor Bell died two days later at Southampton General Hospital from a head wound.
Coroner Jason Pegg ruled the death accidental, citing a gunshot wound to the head.

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