A family friend says Mikah Howell was shot in the head, but the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting as accidental. <\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 A 17-year-old Mandarin High School student remains in critical condition after being shot in the head earlier this month, and his family and friends are searching for answers.<\/p>\n
A family friend says Mikah Howell, a rising senior at Mandarin, was shot on June 6 in San Marco. \u00a0Few details about the shooting have been released, but the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the incident is being investigated as an accidental shooting.<\/p>\n
Justine Vasquez describes Howell as kind, generous and always willing to help others. Vasquez said she met Howell about four years ago through youth sports and that their families have been close ever since.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don’t have to really ask Mikah to do anything. If he sees you unloading the car, he’s the first one out there,\u201d Vasquez said.<\/p>\n
According to those close to Howell, the teen suffered a gunshot wound to the head and has undergone multiple surgeries. He remains in intensive care.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a waiting game, it’s step by step. Every hour is critical, hour by hour, minute by minute. They have to only take one step at a time and just continue to pray for him,\u201d Vasquez said.<\/p>\n
Vasquez says his injuries are severe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bullet will never be able to come out,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Despite the circumstances surrounding the shooting, friends and family remain focused on Howell\u2019s recovery. They say he has shown signs of improvement but faces a long road ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cMikah is his mother’s only child. That is her world. I mean, everything she’s ever done has been in Mikah’s interest. We all are just trying to stay strong,\u201d Vasquez said. \u201cThis is every parent’s worst nightmare, and we hope by sharing Micah’s story, we can help prevent other family from experiencing this kind of heartbreak,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Loved ones say they are speaking out not only for Howell, but to raise awareness about gun safety and responsibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cTomorrow is not promised. Hold your loved ones close, cherish every moment. And make sure they know how much they mean to you,\u201d Vasquez said.\u00a0<\/p>\n