Inquest details accidental fatal air rifle shooting of teenager

An inquest in Winchester has heard details regarding the accidental death of 17-year-old Connor Bell, who was shot by a friend during a house party in Basingstoke, Hampshire, on November 8, 2025.

Jack Beechey, now 18, told the court that he was “a little bit drunk” when the incident occurred. While attempting to put an air rifle into its case, Beechey mistook the trigger for the safety catch and fired. The .177 calibre pellet entered Bell's head through his right eye socket, causing an “unsurvivable” brain injury and cardiac arrest. Bell died two days later at Southampton General Hospital.

The party was hosted at the home of Joshua Brown, 18, who informed the inquest that more guests attended than he had agreed with his parents. Although the air rifle was supposed to remain locked in a cupboard, it was taken out and used to shoot at targets in the garden earlier in the evening. The group had been consuming vodka, cider, and beer.