At 1:23 a. m. Sunday, Tampa Police were called to the area of East Chelsea and Booker T. Drive after a 9-1-1 call was made of a male that had been shot.

When officers arrived, they found a young Black male lying the driveway of a home with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

The young male was later identified as 17-year-old Andrew Hancock, III.

According to his father, Andrew Hancock, Sr., his son and a friend had been tussling over a gun when it discharged and struck Hancock in the head.
Police are investigating the incident as an accidental shooting at this time.

Hancock said his son was a student at Chamberlain High School, and was looking forward to his school’s upcoming Homecoming Day celebration. “He had just taken his senior class photos, and was excited about graduating and joining the U. S. Army.”

Hancock said his son had just recently reunited with his older brother after three years, and the two were planning to spend a lot of time together. “Andrew loved being with his brother and sisters, and sports.

“He had made some mistakes in his life, but was really doing everything right. He worked at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, and enjoyed his job.”

Mr. Hancock said his son had spent the weekend at his friend’s house.

The family has asked Aden Funeral Home to help them with arrangements.

Hancock said the family had no insurance on Andrew at the time of his death, and if anyone wants to help with funeral arrangements, call him at (813) 770-1480.