Charity bike ride raises money for family of 9-year-old boy killed in accidental shooting
DURHAM (WTVD) -- A Durham neighborhood held a charity bike ride Saturday at Duke Park in honor of 9-year-old Christian Pittman.
The goal is to help Christian's family pay for funeral arrangements.
Family members of the child say he died Monday when a gun he and his brother were playing with went off. They believe the gun belongs to a family friend.
About 150 people, including several local car and bike clubs, showed up at Duke Park to support Pittman's mother, Amy, who is struggling with the unexpected loss.
Amy Pittman is doing everything she can to stay busy these days so she doesn't have to stop and think about the tragedy that has hit her family.
"I can't explain how it feels to lose a child," she said.
During the motorcycle ride in Christian's honor, riders stopped by the home where he died and also released balloons.
"He's a very tender-hearted young man - wise far beyond his years," said Pittman. "If you were sad he always knew just what to say to comfort you."
The family is in dire need of money for a simple burial.
"It's very hard," Pittman said. "I don't know how I feel right now. I don't think it has quite set in."
Christian was shot by his 12-year-old brother earlier this week. The two were playing with a gun that was lying around the house. Amy Pittman had just left the home to run a quick errand when the fatal shot was fired.
So far nobody is facing criminal charges.
Durham investigators say they are still trying to figure out who owned the weapon and who was responsible for securing it.
Pittman hopes Saturday's fundraiser also raises awareness about gun safety and the importance of keeping them away from young kids.
"I don't want nobody to go through what I went through," Pittman said.
Pittman plans to lay her son to rest Monday.
Although there was a fundraiser Saturday, the family says it wasn't enough to pay for funeral expenses.
If interested, you can make a donation to "Liberty Baptist Church" in Durham.
