A father who accidentally shot and killed his daughter during a family visit to his Texas home has issued a heart-wrenching public statement, describing his profound grief and the devastating loss of "the light of my life". The tragic event unfolded in Prosper, Texas, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyful holiday season.
A Fatal Incident During a Family Visit
Kris Harrison was preparing to drive his 23-year-old daughter, Lucy Harrison, and her boyfriend, Sam Littler, to the airport for their return flight to the United Kingdom on January 10, 2025. The couple, from Warrington, had been staying at Mr Harrison's American home since December 28, having flown from Heathrow to celebrate Christmas. They had recently purchased their first home together and had hosted family gatherings just days before their planned departure.
Tragically, Lucy was shot in the chest from medium range inside the detached property on the very day she was due to fly home. According to a medical report, the shooting occurred with five witnesses present at Mr Harrison's house. Despite the severity of the incident, a grand jury in Texas concluded on June 10 last year that no one would face prosecution over Lucy's death. Texas grand juries, consisting of twelve members, assess evidence privately to determine whether probable cause exists for felony charges.
The Inquest Reveals Disturbing Details
An inquest into Lucy's death at Cheshire Coroners Court on Tuesday, February 10, heard harrowing details about the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting. The court was told that Mr Harrison had consumed 500ml of vintage chardonnay without his family's knowledge before the incident. He claimed to have retrieved his 9mm Glock handgun from its case, which was stored in his bedside cabinet under a stack of books, intending to show it to his daughter.
Mr Harrison stated that as he lifted the firearm, it discharged unexpectedly, striking Lucy in the chest. He acknowledged having consumed alcohol but insisted he was not "under the influence" at the time. However, evidence presented revealed that Mr Harrison has struggled with alcoholism. Lucy's friend, Ella Gowng, testified that Lucy had confided how her father suffered an alcoholic seizure in 2023, leading to an induced coma and subsequent admission to a rehabilitation facility. Ms Gowng further revealed that Mr Harrison had relapsed in March 2024, prior to the family's Christmas visit.
A Father's Heartbreaking Statement
In a statement released through his representative, Ana Samuel, Mr Harrison expressed his profound sorrow and acceptance of responsibility. "Lucy was the light of my life," he said. "From the moment she was born, to watching her grow into the remarkable young woman she became - from her first steps to her graduation, where I cried with pride - was the greatest privilege of my life."
He described how Lucy adored her younger sisters and how their home felt incomplete without her laughter and presence. Mr Harrison revealed that during her final visit, Lucy had written a letter expressing that Texas felt like home and that she felt lucky to be part of "the best family in the whole wide world." That letter, he said, has become one of their most treasured possessions.
"Losing Lucy has shattered all of us," Mr Harrison continued. "I lost my best friend. My girls lost their big sister and hero, and her stepmom lost her bonus daughter who taught her how to be a mum. I fully accept the consequences of my actions, and there isn’t a day I don’t feel the weight of that loss - a weight I will carry for the rest of my life."
Witness Accounts and Legal Proceedings
Lucy's boyfriend, Sam Littler, provided emotional evidence during the inquest, fighting back tears as he recalled the events of that fateful morning. He described how they had packed early and were ready to depart 30-45 minutes before their scheduled leave time. Lucy, he said, was emotionally drained but looking forward to seeing her mother back in the UK.
Mr Littler recounted being seated on the couch with other family members when Mr Harrison took Lucy by the hand and led her into his bedroom, approximately 10-15 steps away. "The only thing I heard was a loud bang 15 seconds after he took her by the hand," he testified.
Mr Harrison's statement to the court provided additional context, explaining that he and Lucy had been watching a news segment about gun crime in the US before moving to the kitchen area. "I then said that I had a gun do you want to see it and she did," he stated. "We went to the bedroom where I had the gun."
The court heard that Mr Harrison had no formal firearms training and had never fired the weapon before, having purchased it from a work colleague. He claimed he could not recall whether his finger was on the trigger when the gun discharged.
During the inquest, Ms Samuel submitted an application for recusal, arguing that the coroner appeared biased. This application was rejected by senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish, allowing the proceedings to continue.
A Mother's Tribute to Her Daughter
Lucy's mother, Jane Coates, paid tribute to her daughter in an emotional interview, struggling to encapsulate her essence in words. "It's so hard to capture who she was, and who she still is, using words because they just don’t come close," she said. "She was full of energy and life, and she was bold and brave. She was so emotionally intelligent, she was able to feel everything and she wasn’t ashamed of feeling everything."
The tragedy has left multiple families devastated, with Mr Harrison concluding his statement by vowing to honour Lucy's memory. "I cannot undo what happened, but I can honour Lucy by being the best father I can be to her sisters and by carrying her memory forward in everything we do," he said. "Lucy’s spirit - her warmth, her humour, her kindness - will live on in all of us who loved her."
