In a heartbreaking incident, Gregory Zecca, father of Francie Chapman—who married Duane “Dog” Chapman in 2021—accidentally shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony.
The tragedy unfolded on July 19 at a Naples, Florida apartment, where a gunshot was reported around 8 p.m. Authorities have described the event as an “isolated incident,” confirming the shooting occurred but emphasizing it was accidental.
The family is now grappling with the devastating loss, mourning a young life cut tragically short.
No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation into the tragic shooting remains ongoing.
In a heartfelt statement to TMZ, Dog Chapman’s spokesman said, “We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and ask for continued prayers as we mourn the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony.”
Gregory Zecca, Anthony’s father, is Francie Chapman’s son from a previous marriage. Both Francie and Duane “Dog” Chapman found solace in one another after enduring their own profound losses.
Duane’s wife of 13 years, Beth, passed away from cancer in June 2019. Just six months earlier, Francie’s husband Bob also lost his battle with cancer.
“We understood the pain that the other one was feeling,” Francie shared in a 2020 interview with Entertainment Tonight. “In those tough days and moments, we helped each other stand up. We could cry with each other and talk about what we were feeling. We were able to walk alongside each other through the pain and heartbreak—and it brought us together in this amazing way.”
Francie reflected on their late spouses, saying, “We’re never going to leave Bob and Beth behind or forget about them. They’ll always be a part of us. We thought we’d spend the rest of our lives with them, but that’s not what happened. We were dealt a really hard hand.”
Duane “Dog” Chapman is the father of thirteen children from his six previous marriages. In 2023, he revealed the existence of a previously unknown son named Jon, bringing his total number of children to thirteen.