Florida Man Accidentally Shoots, Kills Son-In-Law Visiting To Surprise Him For His Birthday

A Florida man’s birthday surprise turned tragic when he accidentally shot and killed his visiting son-in-law.

The shooting occurred Tuesday in Gulf Breeze when Christopher Bergan, 37, arrived at the home of father-in-law Richard Dennis, 61, to surprise him for his birthday. Bergen, who was visiting from Norway, arrived at the house around 11:30 p.m. and knocked on the door. He then hid in the bushes as Dennis came outside to see who was there.

“At 11:30, Mr. Dennis hears the same type of banging on the back door that he heard on the front door earlier,” Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson said during a press conference Thursday on Facebook. “So he turns on the back porch light, he steps out and Mr. Bergan jumps out of the shadows, scaring Mr. Dennis.”

Johnson said Bergan’s arrival was preceded by another relative who arrived at Dennis’ home at 9:30 p.m. banging on the front door. Dennis was “startled” by the banging and went to confront that person, who subsequently left.

Police said Dennis was armed when he went outside and fired one shot after Bergan jumped out of the bushes. Dennis immediately called 911 when he realized what had happened and tried performing first aid until emergency responders arrived. However, Bergan died instantly in what is being considered a tragic accident.

“Our investigation has revealed that this was totally accidental, it was a really sad occurrence, and that no charges are warranted in this case,” Johnson said.