Tragic Shooting of Daughter by Texas Father

A Texas father, described as “reckless” by a British coroner, shot and killed his daughter during her visit from the UK. This father, Chris Harrison, allegedly displayed a gun to provoke her during a discussion about firearms.

Harrison, who has battled alcoholism and claimed he lacked experience with a Glock 9mm handgun, shot 23-year-old Lucy at their home in Prosper, Texas. This happened just as she was preparing to head back to England on January 10, 2025, according to reports.

On the day of Lucy’s death, a heated argument about guns ensued. In a statement presented in court, Harrison indicated that Lucy wanted to see the gun, which he kept tucked away. However, he attended the hearing but chose not to speak, allowing others to share his account.

Regarding the incident, he recounted, “As I lifted the gun to show her, all of a sudden, I heard a loud bang. I couldn’t understand what was happening. Lucy immediately fell to the ground.” Yet, the coroner questioned the validity of his statement since he described Lucy as “alcoholic,” which was inconsistent with the evidence.

Senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish noted that the manner in which Lucy was shot—directly in the chest from across the room—suggested that Harrison must have aimed and pulled the trigger without checking if the gun was loaded. “I believe he was teasing. He likely didn’t realize the gun was loaded,” she remarked.

Lucy’s visit to Texas was meant to be safe and enjoyable, her mother Jane Coates lamented after the hearing. Coates expressed her disbelief that her daughter could be fatally harmed in the U.S., a place she expected to be secure.

The year since the incident has been marked by profound grief and difficulty for Coates. She stated, “It’s been a year of deep shock, grief, and constant struggle.” Following the incident, the Texas grand jury categorized Lucy’s death as accidental, a conclusion Coates found perplexing.

After the hearing in Britain, she reflected on the inadequacies of Texas gun laws, questioning how they failed to protect Lucy. “Harrison had no prior convictions and was legally allowed to possess the firearm,” the coroner confirmed.

The Prosper Police Department has not offered any comment following the proceedings.