In the heart of Michigan, a conversation unfolds with somber undertones — a discussion on gun safety, borne from the heartbreaking experiences of those like Karen Hardy. Hardy, a funeral director, has seen firsthand the devastation caused by unsecured firearms, highlighting a grim reality in many American homes.
Co-owner of the Andrews & Hardy Funeral Home, Hardy refrains from delving into specific incidents out of respect for grieving families. Yet, she emphasizes the profound impact of such tragedies, noting the unique pain of burying children who never had the chance to grow up. “That’s what makes it so devastating,” she stated. “When you have children who don’t even get to be teenagers… We just expect them to be able to live out their life expectancy without having a tragedy come into and invade their homes and their lives like that.”
Hardy passionately advocates for responsible gun ownership, urging individuals to ensure firearms are stored safely to prevent young ones from accessing them. “Along with owning a gun is a responsibility… of being safe with it,” she remarked. “And that’s why I say don’t wait until something happens. Be intentional.”
Over her 30-year career, Hardy has observed an alarming increase in accidental shooting deaths among youths, a trend that began 10 to 15 years ago. This issue is underscored by sobering statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, which identify firearms as the leading cause of death for children in the United States (source).
Safe Storage Law
The tragic shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, where a teenager used a gun obtained from his parents to kill four classmates, sparked calls for legislative action in Michigan. Advocates, including former Oxford teacher Lauren Jasinski, pushed for stricter gun storage regulations. “Adults created this problem for our kids, and it’s on us to solve it,” Jasinski emphasized during a press conference with funeral directors and law enforcement officials.
In response, Michigan enacted a law in 2023, holding adults accountable when children access improperly stored firearms. Since its implementation, 28 individuals have faced charges under this legislation, and according to Everytown for Gun Safety, there has been a decline in accidental shootings by minors. In the first year of the law’s enforcement, incidents dropped from an average of 16 to 10.
The law also prompted state health and law enforcement agencies to distribute over 60,000 free gun locks, alongside educational resources on secure gun storage (source). The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) further expanded these efforts by launching a map in April that identifies 150 locations across the state where residents can obtain free gun locks (source).
“Safe firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent tragedies such as unintentional shootings, youth access to firearms and suicide,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel in a statement (source). Hertel emphasized the importance of expanding access to free gun locks to help Michigan families protect themselves and their communities.
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