Accidental Shooting: Toddler Fires Father's Gun, Fatally Killing his Pregnant Mother

In a heartbreaking incident at their Ohio home, a 2-year-old child allegedly discovered his father's gun in a drawer and accidentally shot his eight-months-pregnant mother, resulting in her tragic death, according to local police. 

Laura Ilg, 31, immediately called 911 in a state of panic after being hit by the bullet, as reported by WOIO. The severely injured mother, who was 33 weeks pregnant, was found with her toddler in an upstairs bedroom after the responding officers were compelled to kick down the front door of their Norwalk residence.

Laura was swiftly rushed to Fisher-Titus Medical Center, where doctors performed an emergency caesarean in an attempt to save the unborn child. Tragically, the baby did not survive, as confirmed by Police Chief David Smith on Tuesday. 

Laura succumbed to her gunshot injuries a few hours later.

Authorities revealed that the firearm, belonging to Laura's husband, Alek Ilg, was typically stored in a nightstand next to their bed. 

Laura had informed the police before her passing that the bedroom door was usually locked, and several baby gates were installed throughout the house to prevent the toddler from wandering unsupervised.

                                       

Investigators suspect that one of the ordinarily closed baby gates had been accidentally left open, allowing the child to access the bedroom while Laura was occupied with laundry. 

It was during this time that the toddler began playing with the gun, unknown to Laura, who was suddenly struck by a bullet in the back.

Alek, who was at work during the tragic incident, expressed his grief and paid tribute to his deceased wife and unborn son on Facebook. 

In a heartfelt post, he shared the unimaginable pain and loss he felt, describing Laura as the love of his life. The couple's surviving child is now in the care of his father, according to the authorities.