Grieving North Texas parents speak out as they plan their 16-year-old’s funeral, who died in an accidental shooting

“You always think you have time, and you don’t,” said the mother of Jayden Jones, who died in a tragic accidental shooting in Fort Worth.

FORT WORTH, Texas — A North Texas family is grieving the sudden loss of their 16-year-old son, Jayden Jones, after what Fort Worth police say was an accidental shooting inside their home on South Hulen Street. 

The parents are speaking out for the first time since the shooting. They shared the impact of losing their son with WFAA, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing the same unbearable pain.

“This is a different type of hurt. I never experienced anything like this,” Jessica Taylor said.

Born on Christmas Day, Jayden was described by his parents as a shy and loving teenager who found joy on the basketball court. He began playing at 5 and quickly fell in love with the game. His parents signed him up to play on a youth basketball team at the Fort Worth YMCA. His skills showed then and only got better, according to his family. Marcus has videos on his cell phone where he captured Jayden shooting incredible 3-pointers.

“Love the game, like going to school. He was a down-to-earth kid,” Marcus Jones said.

Police say on Easter Sunday, Jayden was shot in the chest when a gun went off inside the home. Investigators say the weapon was fired by mistake, and the teen who was with him at the time, described as his best friend, has since been arrested.

The loss is even more painful for the family as Jayden was just days away from a major milestone, his first job interview.

“The interview was on Tuesday, and he didn’t even get to make it from a simple mistake,” Marcus Jones said.

“I don’t get to hear my son yelling on the game anymore…oh my God,” Taylor said.

Jayden’s death comes just days after another Fort Worth teen, 15-year-old Prince Washington, was killed in a drive-by shooting inside his home. While police say the cases are not connected, the two boys shared a bond through basketball, leaving two families now united in grief. 

Jayden and Prince often played basketball together at a local gym. When Jayden learned about Prince’s shooting death, he texted his father to let him know that he was sad about it and in shock.

Marcus never even imagined that after texting with Jayden about gun violence, he would be grieving his own loss.

The couple spent Thursday morning at The Tree of Life Funeral Home discussing what type of arrangements they will have to celebrate their son’s short-lived life. They are getting moral support from their immediate family and friends. Dad and Mom shared that Jayden packed a lot of life into his 16 years.

As Jayden’s parents prepare for a funeral, they never imagined planning; they are thankful for the family, friends, and even strangers who have donated to the fundraiser to help cover expenses. They are also urging others to hold their children close.

“Hug them. The weekends come, whatever you are doing, just be with them,” Jones said.

“That’s my son. I will never get to go to a game again. You always think you have time, and you don’t,” Taylor said.