A tragedy that occurred in Syracuse, New York state, left the death of two teenagers who, according to their families, were inseparable.

According to the Onondaga County Prosecutor's Office, Damarion Jones, 16, accidentally shot his friend Jonah Tanner, 13, inside a home on Wednesday of last week. Moments later, the teenager used the same 9-millimeter pistol to take his own life.

Jones died at the scene, while Tanner was taken to a hospital in critical condition. He was later declared brain dead and removed from life support, according to local media CNY Central.

Prosecutor's Office: the teenager was consumed by guilt

Onondaga County Prosecutor William Fitzpatrick stated that initial investigations indicate that the young man committed suicide immediately after the accidental shooting.

“Apparently he felt so consumed with guilt that he shot himself,” the official told LocalSYR, calling the case “absolutely heartbreaking.”

For his part, Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin confirmed that officers recovered a firearm at the scene. However, authorities have not yet revealed more details about how the events occurred or the circumstances that led to the shooting.

The families will say goodbye to the two teenagers together

After the tragedy, the families of both young people started fundraising campaigns to cover funeral expenses and announced that the teenagers will be buried together.

Lakiesha Brown, mother of Damarion Jones, described her son as “sweet, loving and kind” and recalled the close friendship she had with Jonah.

"My son and his best friend were inseparable. They were always together and had a bond like brothers," he wrote in the fundraising campaign.

He added that, after the accident that claimed the life of his friend, the young man “could not bear the pain of what happened.” "In a matter of minutes we lost Damarion too. We find comfort in believing that they are now together again, just as they would have always wanted," he said.

The mother also indicated that both will receive a joint funeral because she believes that “that is what they would have wanted.”

“Their friendship was very special”

In a similar campaign, Dayvonna Jones, mother of Jonah Tanner, recalled that her son was just 13 years old and that he shared a very close friendship with Damarion.

"He and his best friend were inseparable. They shared every moment and supported each other in everything. Their friendship filled our lives with joy and love," she wrote.

The woman pointed out that losing both teenagers on the same night has been a devastating experience for her loved ones and asked for support to face the expenses derived from the tragedy.

Authorities keep the investigation open

Authorities continue to investigate the case to clarify exactly how the shooting occurred and the circumstances in which the teenagers had access to the firearm.

At this time, Syracuse Police have not released additional information about the investigation.