TAMPA, Florida – Three months after the tragic loss of their 20-year-old son in a deadly mass shooting in Ybor City, the Boonstoppel family is pushing through their pain and finding ways to move forward. Harrison Boonstoppel was caught in the crossfire, becoming one of the two victims in the tragic incident. Since then, the family has been coping with their loss while planning to start a foundation focused on gun violence prevention.

The Boonstoppel family’s mission is to support students from an early age, educating them about the issues they face both inside and outside the classroom. They aim to prevent gun violence and make Tampa Bay a safer place for children. Their initiative is fueled by the pain of losing their adventurous son and the palpable impact of gun violence on their family.

Harrison’s mother, Brucie Boonstoppel, expressed the devastating impact of gun violence on their family, emphasizing the need to address the growing issue of violence affecting children. She was particularly disturbed to learn that one of the suspects arrested in the case is only 14 years old, highlighting the urgency of their mission to educate children about the consequences of gun violence.

In honor of Harrison, the Boonstoppels have initiated The Harrison Bruce Boonstoppel Memorial Fund and are in the process of establishing a foundation to teach children about the devastating consequences of gun violence. They are reaching out to the community and businesses, urging them to get involved in their efforts to create a safer environment for the children of Tampa Bay. Their determination to turn tragedy into purpose is a powerful testament to their resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.

As they continue to navigate the aftermath of their son’s tragic death, the Boonstoppel family’s initiative serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in their community. Their commitment to preventing gun violence and supporting families affected by it is a powerful example of turning grief into meaningful action.