ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - More questions are arising following the death of a St. George Student from a prop gun Saturday night. The .38 caliber revolver was being used for sound effects in the Desert Hills High School Production of
Oklahoma!Friday night’s performance featured actors in the play. They used toy guns but the sound they made came from that .38 caliber revolver. It was being discharged by the play’s “tech rep,” Tucker Thayer.
After the play that night Tucker showed a video journalist the type of blank he used in the gun. It is raising questions today from his family. “We were there... when he passed. We understand what caused his death. We don't understand the situation that led to the injury itself,” said close family friend, Chip Campbell. Campbell said the family had no idea Tucker was using an actual gun in the play. “Why wasn't there supervision? Why wasn't there an adult around that weapon at all times?” he asked.
The Washington School District released a statement on Monday saying the School District is troubled about the accessibility and use of an operable firearm on school property. It also said a parent got permission to bring the gun on campus for the play. The gun was to remain with that parent and only be operated by that parent. It is not known how the pistol ended up in the hands of Tucker.
By coincidence the Drama Department at Alta High School in the Jordan School District is performing
Oklahoma! Drama teacher, Julie Sauvé, said using real guns with blanks in theater is common but she chose an alternative way to get the gun sound, a recorded effect. “That's just me personally I would be a little nervous to have anything that would be a real weapon,” she said.
State law allows real guns to be brought on school property if approved by a school administrator, but the issue could now be revisited by the Utah State Board of Education. “It just re-enforces the idea that weapons of any kind are really dangerous on any kind of public school setting. There are just too many uncontrolled variables,” said Director of School Law and Legislation, Carol Lear, “There are too many immature young people, too few adults for those young people in schools.”
The policy with guns on campuses varies by school district. You can call your district to find out its individual policy.
